Canto I, Verse 29

Canto I, Verse 29 is a finely executed engraving created in 1803 by William Blake and Mary Ann Flaxman. This detailed work, classified simply as a print, exemplifies the meticulous technical skill required of British printmakers during the early 19th century. The medium of engraving necessitates the precise incising of lines into a copper or steel plate, a process that determines the final linear quality and tonal depth achievable in the resulting impression.

Produced during the 1801 to 1825 period, the work reflects the aesthetic concerns of the British Romantic movement, which favored allegorical, literary, and historical subjects. This particular piece illustrates the dynamic collaboration between Blake, the visionary artist, and Flaxman, who often served to translate Blake’s complex, often ethereal compositions into clearly defined, neoclassical linear forms suitable for wider dissemination. Flaxman’s contribution ensured that the narrative content of the print remained accessible while retaining the underlying force of Blake’s original design.

The title suggests the engraving belongs to a larger sequence of illustrations derived from a specific epic poem or literary narrative, a common practice for both artists. Such sequential projects were crucial for disseminating artistic ideas to a broader audience during the era, allowing patrons and scholars alike to engage with complex texts through visual interpretation.

This specific impression is preserved in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, providing critical insight into the collaborative printmaking practices utilized by these prominent artists of the time. As the copyright period for works created in this era has expired, high-resolution prints of many British artworks, including this engraving, are frequently made available to the public domain, supporting non-commercial study and appreciation globally.