The Intersection of Art and Literature: William Blake, Poet and Painter

The notion that a picture is worth a thousand words is meant to convey the power of imagery. But what of the power of words—if they are personal interpretations of art that mix fact and fiction such as Giorgio Vasari’s Lives, or the writings of Dante and Shakespeare that inspired Auguste Rodin, or Émile Zola’s written defense of his great friend Édouard Manet’s work and the portrait it inspired. 

Explore the alchemy that occurs at the intersection of art and literature in this fascinating Sunday afternoon series with David Gariff, senior lecturer at the National Gallery of Art.

Session Information

William Blake: Poet and Painter

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.” Blake’s books represented the marriage of painting and poetry through carefully etched poems and accompanying images. 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.

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit*

Additional Sessions of this Series

• June 25: Walker Evans and James Agree
• August 27: Pablo Picasso and Gertrude Stein

General Information

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*Enrolled participants in the World Art History Certificate Program receive 1/2 elective credit. Not yet enrolled? Learn about the program, its benefits, and how to register here.