William Blake

Sitterback to top

• William Blake (1757-1827), Visionary poet and painter. Sitter in 10 portraits, Artist associated with 5 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Thomas Phillips (1770-1845), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 215 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Often misunderstood or scorned for his radical politics, Blake's work was only recognised by close friends like Fuseli and Flaxman and his disciple, the young Samuel Palmer. Phillips is said to have caught Blake's 'rapt poetic expression' by luring him to talk of his friendship with the Archangel Gabriel.

Related worksback to top

• NPG D14447: William Blake (after)
• NPG D19979: William Blake (after)
• NPG D20157: William Blake (after)

Linked publicationsback to top

• Audio Guide
• Holmes, Richard, Insights: The Romantic Poets and Their Circle, 2005, p. 26
• Holmes, Richard; Crane, David; Woof, Robert; Hebron, Stephen, Romantics and Revolutionaries: Regency portraits from the National Portrait Gallery, 2002, p. 45
• Parris, Matthew, Heroes and Villains: Scarfe at the National Portrait Gallery, 2003 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 30 September 2003 to 4 April 2004), p. 44
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 60
• Walker, Richard, Regency Portraits, 1985, p. 49
• Woof, Robert; Hebron, Stephen, Romantic Icons, 1999, p. 39

Subject/Themeback to top

• On display at the Gallery