Artwork

Lady Torrens and Family

Lady Torrens and Family, by William Blake, ink, 1825
Lady Torrens and Family, by William Blake, ink, 1825

Lady Torrens and Family is an ink 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

This drawing, created around 1825, is a late work by William Blake, an English poet, painter, and printmaker. It is executed in pen and ink and titled 'Lady Torrens and Family'.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a family group, with a central seated woman holding a child, surrounded by other figures. The arrangement is informal, and the facial expressions and body language convey a sense of closeness.

Technique & Style

The figures are defined by dark outlines, with some internal details rendered through line work. The use of pen and ink allows for expressive and varied line quality, contributing to the drawing's sense of intimacy and warmth.

Context

Blake's work was produced during the Romantic period, and his distinctive style reflects his engagement with imaginative and symbolic themes. The drawing is characteristic of his later output, which continued to explore visionary and poetic subjects.

Artist & collection

Portrait of William Blake

Artist

William Blake

William Blake (28 November 1757 – 12 August 1827) was an English poet, painter and printmaker.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.