De reis van Colinet

De reis van Colinet is a print created by the visionary English poet and artist William Blake between 1820 and 1821. Executed on paper, this work exemplifies Blake’s late career mastery of graphic arts. Although known primarily for his illuminated books and watercolors, Blake utilized various printing techniques throughout his life to disseminate his unique mythological and philosophical visions. This particular example is classified as a print, aligning it with a substantial body of work that demonstrates Blake's innovative approach to line, form, and composition.

Created late in his life, this piece reflects the sustained imaginative intensity that characterized Blake's contributions to the British Romantic movement. The subject, Colinet's journey, likely draws upon established pastoral or allegorical sources familiar to early 19th-century audiences, though Blake often imbued traditional subjects with profoundly personal symbolism. The visual narrative style is distinctly Blakean, emphasizing flowing, energetic lines and highly stylized figures that transcend conventional realism in favor of spiritual drama.

This significant example of Blake’s graphic art is preserved in the prestigious collection of the Rijksmuseum, contributing to the museum's holdings of international prints and drawings. Because of its age and cultural importance, the work often resides within the public domain, ensuring that Blake's singular vision remains accessible worldwide. The endurance of works like this confirms Blake’s status not only as a profound literary figure but also as one of the most distinctive visual artists of the early nineteenth century.