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Product Details

The artwork Chaucer’s Canterbury Pilgrims is a famous painting by William Blake, created in 1808. It depicts the pilgrims described in Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales as they journey to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury. This item is a vintage framed colour print of that artwork.

It is difficult to place a date or age on this item. Prints appear to be relatively rare, particularly of this size. The fact it is in colour gives it extra appeal.

The frame is wooden, and the piece measures approximately 30cm x 15cm.

Here’s a detailed look at the original artwork, from which this print came:

Background

Geoffrey Chaucer's Inspiration: The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories told by a diverse group of pilgrims travelling together. Blake's painting captures these characters based on Chaucer's vivid descriptions.

Blake’s Vision: Blake was deeply inspired by medieval literature and sought to honour Chaucer’s work with a visual representation of the text.

Description of the Painting

Composition: The painting shows the pilgrims travelling on horseback in a single file against a pastoral landscape. Blake arranged them dynamically to emphasize individuality and movement.

Characters: Each figure in the painting corresponds to a pilgrim described in the prologue of The Canterbury Tales. For example, the Knight, the Miller, the Wife of Bath, and the Pardoner are all present, rendered with Blake’s interpretation of their personalities and roles.

Symbolism: Blake highlighted themes of morality, social structure, and human character. The composition reflects the diversity of medieval society and Chaucer's critique of it.

Style and Technique

Blake’s Style: The painting blends elements of Romanticism with a medieval aesthetic. It is both highly detailed and symbolic, characteristic of Blake's unique artistic and literary vision.

Medium: Originally a watercolour, it is notable for its use of vibrant colours and intricate detailing, particularly in the costumes and expressions of the pilgrims.

Cultural Impact

The painting is celebrated for its faithful interpretation of Chaucer’s text and its insight into the human condition.

It reflects Blake’s dual talents as a poet and painter, merging literature with visual art.

Legacy

Blake's Chaucer’s Canterbury Pilgrims has been widely studied as a masterpiece of narrative art.

It is often associated with his broader critiques of industrialization and celebration of spiritual and artistic values.

The painting captures the essence of Chaucer's work, making it a landmark in both literary and art history.

Vintage framed Print Chaucers Canterbury Pilgrims by William Blake

SKU: ODS693
45,00£Pris
Slutsåld
  • 693

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