Cambridge Edition February 2024 - Web

CULTURE CLUB

Dispelling the lone genius myth, we take a deep dive into William Blake’s Universe at the Fitzwilliam Museum, as it places the visionary creative into a whole new context BLAKE REIMAGINED For Esther Chadwick, co-curator of the Fitzwilliam’s showstopping display William Blake’s Universe , the idea of framing the famous artist, poet and printmaker in a wider, previously unexplored context had been years in the making. Alongside fellow curator Professor David Bindman, the two sought to tackle a widespread perception that this icon of British culture was something of a visionary maverick, repositioning him in the context of a wide-reaching network of European artists. Indeed, in this seminal display, Blake is shown as a shining star within a vast, intricate constellation. “You see endless works by Blake in vast, monographic displays, but we wanted to set him within the context of his time and show him alongside contemporaries who were also responding to similar ideas about art and wider problems in the world,” shares Esther. In particular, the exhibition explores the dialogue between Blake and German Romantic artists Philipp Otto Runge and Caspar David Friedrich, both of whom have rarely ever been displayed on UK soil. “These artists never met in real life, but Blake and Runge are often compared in art historical literature. However, despite the similarities of their artistic visions, their work has never been shown together,” she explains. “It was that kernel of thinking that brought the show to life for us.” In showing Blake alongside these titans of European art, Esther and David have been working closely with the Hamburger Kunsthalle, which has loaned several works for the show. Meanwhile, the Fitzwilliam was the obvious venue to stage the display thanks to its world-renowned collection of Blake’s work, which is largely derived from the Sir Geoffrey Keynes bequest. Throughout the extensive display, which compiles 180 paintings, drawings and prints – including more than 90 of those by Blake himself – spectacular highlights include a hand-coloured copy of Jerusalem and an extremely rare print of Laocoön – one of just two known copies in existence worldwide. “There will also be many pieces which are not widely known to the British public, including studies from Runge’s Times of Day series, which was made at the same time that Blake was working on his famous Jerusalem project and equally explores a vision for the redemption of humanity,” shares Esther. At a time of major upheaval across Europe and the Americas, defined by both revolution and war, we see a conversation across the cultural landscape that is in pursuit of a new spirituality. In this vision, Blake is not alone, as the exhibition lifts the veil on other European Romantic artists

23 Feb – 19 May

MAKE OR BLAKE Magic Apple Tree by Samuel Palmer (above); Europe A Prophecy by William Blake (right)

also responding to epoch-defining themes. Such propositions include the transformation of classical tradition, an interest in Christian mysticism, as well as a belief in the impending apocalypse, spiritual regeneration and the prospect of a national revival. “Although Blake had his idiosyncrasies and a unique vision, we want to move away from the idea of his reputation as an isolated and completely eccentric genius.” William Blake’s Universe is on display at the Fitzwilliam Museum from 23 February to 19 May 2024. Head to fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk to book your tickets

14 FEBRUARY 2024 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK