Artwork
King Canute
King Canute is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist William Blake. It dates from 1820 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This graphite drawing, created around 1820, is a work by William Blake, an English artist, poet, and printmaker. It is a representative example of his output during a period when his art was not widely recognized.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts King Canute, shown with a crown and an introspective expression, gazing upwards. The image explores themes of power and futility, reflecting Blake's engagement with historical and literary subjects infused with personal symbolism.
Technique & Style
Executed in graphite, the drawing features detailed, linear work with dark lines and shading that create depth. The ornate crown and the subject's curly hair and beard are rendered with intricate detail, showcasing Blake's skill in this medium.
Context
This work is part of Blake's oeuvre that would later be seen as foundational to the Romantic era in art and literature, a movement characterized by an emphasis on emotion and imagination.
Artist & collection
Artist
William Blake (28 November 1757 – 12 August 1827) was an English poet, painter and printmaker.
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Antique Bearded Head
Head of Our Savior, from Arringhi's "Roma Subterranea"
Untitled
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