Who painted John Linnell?

John Linnell was painted by William Blake in 1825.

Where can I see John Linnell?

John Linnell is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is John Linnell?

John Linnell is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

John Linnell

William Blake , 1825

John Linnell is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist William Blake. It dates from 1825 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

John Linnell is a graphite drawing created by William Blake in 1825, depicting the artist and patron John Linnell in a simple, loose sketch of the head and shoulders.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing is a portrait of John Linnell, a friend and patron of Blake's, exemplifying the artist's occasional practice of portraiture amidst his predominantly visionary and literary body of work.

Technique & Style

Executed in graphite, the drawing features light, loose lines concentrating on the facial and hair details, with a soft, sketchy quality suggestive of a rapid study exploring shapes and light.

History & Provenance

Created in 1825 during Blake's later London years, the drawing's provenance and historical context beyond its creation are not detailed in available information.

Context

This work reflects Blake's diverse artistic output, which spanned poetry, painting, and printmaking across the late 18th and early 19th centuries, characterized by symbolic depth and imaginative breadth.

Legacy

As part of Blake's broader oeuvre, 'John Linnell' contributes to the artist's legacy, though the drawing itself is more a personal, quick study than a polished, widely recognized piece within his catalog.