Colinet rust tijdens de nacht

Colinet rust tijdens de nacht by William Blake, executed around 1820-1821, is a key example of the artist's late career graphical output. Classified as a print on paper, this work demonstrates Blake's characteristic blend of literary inspiration and visionary iconography, reflecting the English Romantic movement of the early 19th century. The medium of prints allowed Blake to distribute his unique visual narratives, which often intertwined textual poetry with complex allegorical illustrations.

The figure of Colinet, likely derived from classical or pastoral literary traditions, is depicted resting in a stylized, nocturnal environment. Blake’s approach to the subject uses expressive contours and dramatic tonal shifts inherent to the printing process, defining form through light and shadow rather than conventional modeling. This technique is typical of his methodology during the period when he was heavily focused on creating complex illustrated works, such as his designs for Dante’s Divine Comedy. This piece exemplifies how Blake utilized the medium to convey complex mystical or subconscious narratives, moving beyond traditional printmaking aesthetics.

Dating from the final years of the artist's life, this work contributes significantly to the understanding of Blake's mature creative period. The piece is held in the prestigious collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. As an influential 19th-century print, the study of works like this remains highly accessible, with many high-quality prints and reference materials often available through public domain sources, ensuring the continued academic appreciation of Blake's profound visual contributions.