The Illustrations of William Blake for Thorton's Virgil
published 1937
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View on museum website →Medium
1 vol: ill: facsimiles of printed pl., 8 proof pl., & pencil designs; insert: portfolio containing aset of prints fr. electrotypes of the woodblocks
Dimensions
page size: 23.5 x 14.5 cm (9 1/4 x 5 11/16 in.)
Classification
Volume
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Gift of William B. O'Neal
Accession Number
1983.103.3
Art Historical Context
Discover the enchanting world of William Blake's visionary illustrations for Robert Thornton's 1821 edition of Virgil's *Pastorals* in this exquisite 1937 facsimile volume, now housed in the National Gallery of Art. Gifted by William B. O'Neal, this compact treasure (measuring 23.5 x 14.5 cm per page) celebrates Blake's profound interpretation of the ancient Roman poet's idyllic rural scenes, infusing classical pastoral themes with his distinctive Romantic mysticism and symbolic depth. Blake, a pioneering English artist, poet, and printmaker (1757–1827), crafted 17 wood engravings for Thornto...