William Blake: The Ancient of Days: Great Art Explained
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- čas přidán 30. 05. 2024
- My other channel, Great Books Explained here - / @greatbooksexplained371
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“Shall [we] call him Artist or Genius-or Mystic-or Madman? Probably he is all.”
The 18th century artist William Blake was a true radical, in the deepest sense of the world, and he raged against injustice of every kind.
Blake belonged to the Romantic age, but stands utterly alone in that age, both as an artist and as a poet: he is someone who invented his very own form of graphic art, which organically fused beautiful images with powerful poetry, while he also forged his own distinctive philosophical world-view and created an original cosmology of gods and spirits, designed to express his ideas about love, freedom, nature and the Divine.
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"What a brilliant series this is" - Stephen Fry on Twitter
SUBTITLES
I input the English subtitles myself but I rely on volunteers to do subtitles for other languages and I really appreciate it - just contact me at jamespayne33@hotmail.com
CREDITS
Opening Animation and Title Sequence by Brian Adsit (instagram brian_vfx?... and Behance www.behance.com/badsit88)
Recording and sound Mix by Robert Lewis (Thank you!)
Actor: Roger Surridge
VIDEOS
All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel do not claim any right over them.
MUSIC
Jerusalem (Hymn) - Music by Sir Hubert Parry and word by William Blake
BOOKS
William Blake vs the World (highly recommended) by John Higgs
William Blake Masterpieces of Art by Michael Kerrigan
William Blake's Universe by Esther Chadwick and David Bindman
Blake by Peter Ackroyd
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. - Krátké a kreslené filmy
Please don’t forget to ‘like’ and leave a comment (however short), as it REALLY helps promote the channel. My other channel, Great BOOKS Explained can be found here - www.youtube.com/@greatbooksexplained371 - thanks so much for your amazing support - James
William Blake: The Ancient of Days: Great Art Explained 31.5.24 Blake probably not a man to be argued with. One feels he wouldn't be averse to the odd bout of fisticuffs or worse, should the need arise.......Most folk meet with Blake some time in their life. i feel he's trying to take umbrage with his gaolers. I argued with him, whimsically, of course, doting my formative years.....religion is stupid. end of.....
Excited for part two!
Appreciate your work!
Waiting for part 2! Thank you for this!
There's a dearth of worthwhile content on CZcams (and everywhere, really), but this is gold. I never scroll past these videos. Thank you for making them. You're creating new fans of art and literature.
Making a two-part series which crosses over from Great Art to Great Books with - who else? - William Blake? Genius move. Well played sir!
It is worth noting that talented men/ women never walk alone. The fact that Blake lived with some immensely gifted peers and, yet, managed to make his mark (despite his perceived eccentricities) tells us that talent is not a dimension to be measured but an “infinite” that has to be felt, beyond this mirage called time. Thank you for making yet another interesting video 🙏🏽
That’s a great comment - thanks 🙏
I wish I had said something like that.
Look a pretend enlightened
How bizarre to have seen this image so many times without a clue that Blake had come up with an entire cosmology! Thank you for this video!
My pleasure!
The world needs more content like this!
Thank you 🙏
@@GreatArtExplained Is your work [Art History] relegated to the Classics?
@@user-zt6uu5tw9j No, check out his videos on his channel. He's done Basquiat, Haring, Warhol, Rothko,Kusama ...
I'm honestly embarrassed to realize how little I knew about Blake the Artist. While I knew he made the illustrations I had no idea how innovative and holistic his approach to his literary work was. Eagerly awaiting Part 2 on his poetry!
It is a blessing that such high quality content is available for free for everyone.
Kudos to the efforts and hard work behind this piece
So nice of you thanks 🙏
The quality has grown leaps and bounds
I appreciate that - thanks 🙏
It has always been amazing!
It is worth noting, however, that Newton was NOT just a scientist in the modern sense; he was also deeply religious, attempting to find hidden messages in the Bible, and even dabbled in alchemy.
Thank you for introducing William Blake to us. Thanks to you, I can now understand Romanticism a little better. Your music, visual art, and narration work so harmoniously together and your channels are great contributions and gifts to all humanity.
Thanks for listening
I love that this is covered in both channels. What an amazing man. Thank you.
Thanks for watching 🙏
I really appreciate the amount of time and effort you put into these videos. I am always captivated by your storytelling and leave the videos happy to have learned something!
Thanks for the comment - I appreciate it 🙏
Always anticipate videos from you. You are one of the few most consistently high quality CZcams channels.
This couldn’t have been more appropriately timed for my situation-just uploaded 12 hrs ago- I’m having breakthroughs with my life and now I have role model too!
Great to hear 🙏
Some of his paintings are like graphic novel style before it existed , vivid with imagination .
Spoke like he was feeling life in all things and connected to awe in experience while still being of the world
Nice comment - thanks 🙏
I first encountered Blake through Thomas Harris’ Red Dragon, and I’ve been a fan of his ever since. Great video!
Thank you 🙏
Thanks for making this video James. I love Blake’s work & he’s so often overlooked when people discuss great art. I’ve had my copy of ‘Songs of Innocence’ for 20 years which I picked up for 50 pence in a secondhand book shop in York. I bought it because my favourite group are The Doors & am obviously aware of the influence he had Morrison’s poetry & also because of Thomas Harris’s Red Dragon which I’m also grateful that you gave mention to. It’s only recently after rereading Alan Moore that I’ve realised the huge influence Blake has on his work too. Such an important artist & I look forward to the next one! Cheers!
My favorite channel! Thank you for educating us and enriching our lives
Ever since I read this:
“Tyger Tyger, burning bright,
In the forests of the night;
What immortal hand or eye,
Could frame thy fearful symmetry”
I’ve been fascinated by Blake. Looking forward to the Great Books video!
You are truly the good standard for art history videos, congratulations 👏
Thank you so much 🙏
Gold Standard!
This deeply moved me. THANK YOU. Can’t wait for the Blake on the Books channel to be released
I am always stunned by the depth, forethought and serious study that goes into whatever it is you produce and gift to us. I am moved by your expertise and the profundity of the text. (Sometimes, so much so that I cry). I know that this sentiment is shared by all who unwittingly stumble upon your videos and marvel at the treasure they've found ... and I feel that the artists and writers whose world you have explored and translated for us, must be deeply grateful from the beyond. You have the most beautiful gift... that of SEEING and KNOWING and then teaching/sharing. I am smitten with each journey and always long for more, although each one is so rich, I fear a tummy upset were I to indulge in more than two at a time. And I realize how long it must take and how much it must cost you to produce each one. (Were I to die tomorrow, I would wish to be re-born as your daughter, so as to hear all the stories you've not yet put into form here).
I predict there is a place in Heaven for you, sitting alongside the Artists and Writers you have so lovingly portrayed. And I THANK YOU from the very tips of my toes.. ❤
Oh my goodness - what a lovely comment to wake up to! That is so kind - it is so pleasing to hear what joy my videos bring - thank YOU 🙏
I've been distracted and haven't watched Great Art Explained for a while. My loss! Brilliant work.
Welcome back!
We're eating well this morning, thank you!
Enjoy!
William Blake art touches my soul and mind ✨❤️
This is probably the best CZcams channel out there currently - kudos from Denmark👍
I love the analysis of how Urizen is depicted. Ignoring the warmth, nearly succumbing to the abyss. He is clearly the most important figure in the frame, but from his perspective it is his tool that's the most important. Will be reflecting on this image for a long time.
My favourite piece of art 'the ancient of days' but when you see this masterpiece it is so tiny !
You've single-handedly made me passionate about art, you def deserve more views! Great video as always!
What a lovely treat with which to start the weekend 🎉
Thank you 🙏
You belong on broadcast media- I have been watching your films since the beginning- they are such a gift I wish you had wider reach.
Thank you 🙏
Thank you, I love your channel. Blake was a genius, too ahead of his time.
Couldn't agree more!
Bravo.
Always saw the William Blake paintings but knew very little about the person. Just assumed he was a madman.
Thank you.
You're very welcome
Thank you so much for this channel. My soul is happier when I get to enjoy art on such a deep level because of your work.
Blake is still one of my faves, this is great, splitting this among your channels. I dig this.
I appreciate that!
I have heard his name but never knew anything about him. Thank you for expanding my knowledge of another important artist! Well done!
Thank you, so much ! W. Blake is my "all time favorite" poet / individual.
Really great video.
A new video and it's the legend that is Blake! Perfect Saturday morning vibes
Hope you enjoyed it!
@@GreatArtExplained Loved it! Thank you
Thanks!
Excellent video (as always)!
William Blake is probably my favorite artist, so I was quite excited when I saw that you posted this video! I look forward to watching part 2 on his poetry on your other channel.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Blake is one of my fav artists EVER and im glad this piece is getting its shine - such a POWERFUL PIECE and truly a man ahead of his time🙌🙌
My favorite evenings are Friday nights with a new Great Art Explained
Wonderful!
I hope someday your work makes its way into museums for everyone to enjoy, not just us
The recount of Blake's ecstasy right before his death is fascinating. Apparently Steve Jobs' last words were simply "Wow! Oh, WOW!." One can only wonder what they saw and felt.
Oh my gosh what great timing this video is!!!! Ive got my English literature exam in 4 days, and found this video just now - i thought it had been out for years.. thank you so much for summarising everything 💓
Oh I’m sorry the poetry one is not out until next week!!
@@GreatArtExplained Don't worry this video is still hugely helpful- we get marked on using his artworks too as they were intended to be viewed together 😁 Thank you so much
I never knew his paintings were covers for his poetry, or that he self published his own works! That is so fascinating!
Thank you for all of this research, you inspire me to go into Art History for college!
Glad you enjoyed it!
As a young man reading Blake for the first time I quickly realized I was entering a new world and now I’ve come to the conclusion that I never left it.
Thank you for another terrific video.
I had no idea he was such a self publishing aficionado , and his images have this ancient biblical feeling
I’ve never clicked a link for a follow up video as fast as when you share that there’s a whole segment on Great Books Explained about the poetry!!
Coming this Friday!
Loved this. Actually had no idea he was also a painter! Can’t wait for part two!
This is one of my favourite channels on CZcams!!!
I just love the outlook and flow!
Thanks for giving his wife credit!
Greatness too often dies in obscurity.
James - your channels have brought me so much joy and knowledge. Looking forward to diving into Blake’s poetry now that I have an appreciation for this art. So many of the artists your videos have introduced me to were unknown to me before. Greatly appreciate all that you do!
Marvelous work! Cheers!
Many thanks!
Had the pleasure and honore to see his exhibition at the Getty Museum ❤
James, again. Illuminating!
I've said it before , Merci de ne me pas laisse mourir idiot . Thank you James.
De rien!
Your visuals that you use with your text are so well done. Watching your videos is so enjoyable along with understanding the artists and art you describe. Thank you.
Glad you like them!
I never really knew Blake until this video, a really interesting artist! Thanks for another great class!
I suppose I missed Monsieur Blake's work when I was a student, simply because I studied in France, and Blake was omitted. Maybe because of his mystical obsessions (in a fiercely republican country, that's understandable), but also because of the language, nobody had the patience to really read his poems, or even try to understand them.
Your analyses will certainly help to clarify his intentions. In any case, it's a lot clearer for me, and makes me want to explore it further. Thank you very much.
bro, that painting is dope
Yeah it is
As always, excellent video. I love how your explanations bring every work of art to life and make them clear to understand for the uninitiated like myself. Thank you!
The visions and imagination of mystic figures you explained in the video sounds alot like symptoms of schizophrenia. There actually are studies about creativity and mental illnesses like schizophrenia. I think it would make a cool video to discuss paintings from artists with mental illness like from the Prinzhorn Collection!
Thanks for making me feel smart one video at the time ❤
No problem 😊
yesssssssssss, one of my favorites!
Hope you like it!
I came across this artist that might be an interesting one. His name is Maxfield Parrish and his paintings are so beautiful and vibrant. I've never heard of him or seen his work before and perhaps could make it on this channel someday. I know you probably have more projects in mind right now but when you can Parrish is definitely someone I'd like to learn about from you.
I will check it out
one of my favorite artists
So many layers! Thank you for the clear explanation
You're so welcome!
I can't tell you what these channels of yours means to me. Thank you.
Thank-you so much for your wonderful presentation and great research about William Blake's work. I was always fascinated by his style and content --really enjoyed this!
Amazing! THank you so much for your work!
Thank you for another wonderful art lesson!
Absolutely superb, James. How we need a person like Blake now, although if we had somebody we would surely ignore or dismiss him, just as Blake was dismissed.
Thank you for enlightening me about historically relevant and influential people. Always look forward to your content to expand my mind and enrich my personal knowledge
My goodness, Blake's mythology seems so awe-inspiring! I'm glad to have seen your video as it introduced me to him
Deeply fascinating and enlightening. Many thanks James!
Thank you for making all these high-quality contents! Because of your videos, I think I will be taking Art History next year!
Thank you so much for this video! I knew of him as a poet, but somehow I had no idea he did visual art too
Time for another research binge~
Very interesting video! Can't wait for the companion video on "Great Books Explained"!
Babe wake up great art explained just dropped
So interesting I didn't know much about him before this, thank you!
This channel is such a gem! I think this video warrants a full length version, right?
Fabulous timing just got into bed with a cup of tea and the Lords book 📖🙏🕊️
I thought I knew a lot about William Blake- but no, only now I understand the bodily gestures. I never knew all the details of his expressive body language displayed through the figurative artwork. Thank you for explaining!
Always waiting for this notification to Pop... thank you for the effort ❤
Thanks for watching!
Always amazing content. Great video!
I’ve never heard of him! This was awesome.
The content you produce is outstanding! I wish someday in the future we could get a video about Sorolla, described by Monet as “the master of light”
Brilliant -- I have come to look forward to your videos! Thank you for creating interesting and intelligent content. I went to art school, but never really grasped art history before ❤
Interesting video once again!! Always a joy to watch.
New Great Art Explained! Love this!
Please make a video about Norman Rockwell and other illustrators like Kurt Ard of their time.
Phenomenal James. Thanks.
Many thanks James Payne for your enormous generosity, you truly embody that generous spirit I found whilst studying Art History at Birkbeck. I wrote my thesis on madness and the enlightenment (professor William Vaughan always bright and kind was my tutor).
Many thanks for this wonderfully researched video on William Blake, it touched me at the core.
I was introduced to William’s Blake poet and art through Bruce Dickinson’s - The Chemical Wedding album! The whole album (lyrically and musically) is based on Blake’s exceptional art and poetry.
I had just revisited ‘The Tate museum’ in London, there is something quite haunting, mystic and so english about Blake’s art and poetry.
This is probably my favorite channel on CZcams, my love , passion and knowledge have grown exponentially ever since I discovered this channel! Thank you so much for such a wonderful content.
I didn't know you had another channel!😮 IMMEDIATELY subscribed.
I got a couple of his books. But, it's nice to see all these pieces I didn't know about! That's typically how it is with your videos though. Bravo!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Enjoyable presentation. Subbed! Thank you.
Thank you James