On Homer's Poetry (and) On Virgil

The work On Homer's Poetry (and) On Virgil by William Blake is a significant example of his late graphic output, executed as a relief etching in 1822. This unique piece belongs to the later phase of the British Romantic movement, specifically the period between 1801 to 1825, when Blake was intensely focused on integrating his visual and poetic philosophies. As an influential figure in the British art scene, Blake often utilized the medium of prints to disseminate his complex theological and artistic ideas, which frequently challenged prevailing neoclassical tastes.

The medium of relief etching, a technique Blake largely reinvented for his own purposes, gave the artist direct control over the interplay between script and imagery. Unlike traditional intaglio prints, where the lines are incised into the plate, Blake etched away the background areas, allowing the design elements and the accompanying text to stand out in relief. This highly specific method ensured that the visual rhetoric was intrinsically linked to his written critiques. In On Homer's Poetry (and) On Virgil, Blake engages in a profound philosophical dialogue about the nature of poetry, inspiration, and divine vision, using the foundational texts of classical literature as a springboard for his own imaginative theories.

Dating from the early 1820s, the work shows Blake continuing to develop his highly personalized mythology and graphic language, drawing deeply on scriptural and classical sources while maintaining his distinctly spiritual perspective. This historic piece, representing the evolution of 19th-century graphic arts, is currently housed within the renowned collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. As a result of its age and cultural importance, prints and high-resolution reproductions of this masterwork are frequently made available through public domain resources, ensuring continued study of Blake's intricate designs and enduring artistic legacy.