The wood engraving Thenot Remonstrates with Colinet by William Blake, created in 1821, is a significant example of the artist’s late-career printmaking and his enduring engagement with classical British literature. This small-scale work is executed in the demanding technique of wood engraving, a classification highly favored during the early 19th century (the period of 1801 to 1825) for high-quality literary illustration.
The piece is widely understood to illustrate a scene from Edmund Spenser’s pastoral masterpiece, The Shepheardes Calender, specifically the "Januarye" Eclogue. The composition captures the moment where the aged shepherd, Thenot, attempts to console or admonish the younger shepherd, Colinet, who is despairing over unrequited love. The narrative focus on melancholy and spiritual struggle aligns perfectly with the intense emotional and allegorical sensibilities characteristic of the Romantic movement in Britain.
Blake’s signature linear and visionary style translates strikingly into the severity of the wood engraving process. Unlike traditional copperplate etching, the relief printing nature of the medium demands bold contrasts, which Blake utilizes to create highly defined, rhythmic forms. The figures are placed against a dense, stylized background, emphasizing their psychological separation and the stark drama of the confrontation. Blake chooses simplified, almost archaic forms for his figures, granting the scene a timeless quality that underscores the lasting relevance of Spenser's poetry.
This work serves as crucial documentation of the artist’s commitment to interpreting poetic sources through visual art. As an important example of the master prints from Blake’s mature output, the piece is housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The preservation and availability of such detailed works, often accessible through initiatives supporting works in the public domain, ensure the continued study of Blake’s unique contribution to the history of British art.
Important: ArtBee makes no warranties about the copyright status of this artwork. To the best of our knowledge, based on information from the source museum, we believe this work is in the public domain.
You are responsible for determining the rights status and securing any permissions needed for your use. Copyright status may vary by jurisdiction. See our License & Usage page and Terms of Service for details.