Canto III, Verse 201

Canto III, Verse 201 by William Blake; Mary Ann Flaxman; Cadell & Davies is a significant example of British printmaking created around 1803. This intricate work was executed using the demanding techniques of etching and engraving, applied meticulously to wove paper. Such technical precision was essential for achieving the high level of detail required for illustrations intended for publication during the period 1801 to 1825.

The complexity of the authorship, involving two major artistic figures, Blake and Flaxman, alongside the established publishing house Cadell & Davies, suggests that this work was likely part of a larger, commercially ambitious literary or illustrative project. The collaboration highlights the interdependent relationships common in the graphic arts trade during the early British Regency era. Blake, known for his visionary subjects and highly stylized linear compositions, likely contributed the conceptual design, while Flaxman and the publishers oversaw the technical translation and dissemination of the finished prints.

The style inherent in the work points to the ongoing dialogue between Neoclassical precision and the emerging Romantic sensibility that defined British art in the first quarter of the 19th century. The delicate handling and emphasis on line over broad tonality showcase the skill required to produce high-quality reproductive prints that were simultaneously commercial and artistic achievements.

The existence of Canto III, Verse 201 provides valuable insight into the production dynamics of early 19th-century British art and the graphic methods employed by key figures like Davies and Blake. This piece is held within the distinguished collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it contributes to the museum’s comprehensive holdings of European prints. Since much of the output from this era is now within the public domain, this work remains accessible for study, showcasing the continued influence of these historic prints on visual culture.