William Blake's illustrations for Virgil William Blake 1821 BLAKE, WILLIAM – VIRGIL, Publius Maro (70-19 BCE). The Pastorals of Virgil, with a course of English reading, adapted for schools. Edited by Robert John Thornton London: J. McGowan for F.C. Rivington and others, 1821. The first edition of Thornton’s Latin schoolbook illustrated by William Blake third edition overall. While Blake had originally conceived his illustration program as relief etchings on copperplate, the early attempts were rejected by Thornton and this final project represents Blake’s first foray into wood engraving as a medium. The bold and transgressive style of the final products still did not please Thornton, who was nevertheless convinced to include them by his friends including Blake’s patron John Linnell—but with the printed caveat that “they display less of art than genius, and are much admired by some eminent painters.” Bentley 504; Keynes 77. Two volumes, octavo (173 x 102mm). Wood and steel-engraved plates and illustrations, printed with up to five plates to a page, some leaves printed recto and verso, 27 by or after William Blake; 3 engraved maps, 2 of which folding (some spotting, a few plates just trimmed). 19th-century calf (light wear). Provenance: George R. Gardner (armorial bookplate).
William Blake's illustrations for Virgil William Blake 1821 BLAKE, WILLIAM – VIRGIL, Publius Maro (70-19 BCE). The Pastorals of Virgil, with a course of English reading, adapted for schools. Edited by Robert John Thornton London: J. McGowan for F.C. Rivington and others, 1821. The first edition of Thornton’s Latin schoolbook illustrated by William Blake third edition overall. While Blake had originally conceived his illustration program as relief etchings on copperplate, the early attempts were rejected by Thornton and this final project represents Blake’s first foray into wood engraving as a medium. The bold and transgressive style of the final products still did not please Thornton, who was nevertheless convinced to include them by his friends including Blake’s patron John Linnell—but with the printed caveat that “they display less of art than genius, and are much admired by some eminent painters.” Bentley 504; Keynes 77. Two volumes, octavo (173 x 102mm). Wood and steel-engraved plates and illustrations, printed with up to five plates to a page, some leaves printed recto and verso, 27 by or after William Blake; 3 engraved maps, 2 of which folding (some spotting, a few plates just trimmed). 19th-century calf (light wear). Provenance: George R. Gardner (armorial bookplate).
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