William Blake (1757–1827), one of the most prolific artists and poets of the Romantic period, united the two sister arts—painting and poetry—most effectively in his “illuminated books.” Recalling medieval illuminated manuscripts, these richly illustrated volumes allowed Blake to address major themes such as religious hypocrisy, poverty, inequality, and human existence. 

Blake’s books represented the marriage of painting and poetry through carefully etched poems and accompanying images. His best-known works are Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience, two illustrated collections of lyric poems that were combined into one volume in 1794. In both his visual and literary works, Blake explored contrasting states—innocence vs. experience, the rational mind vs. imagination, good vs. evil. Although Blake frequently turned to the Christian Bible for inspiration, his poetry and works of art reflect his own personal visions. Art historian David Gariff offers insights into Blake’s achievements as both poet and artist

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