Frontispiece for "America a Prophecy" 1793

Editor: So, this is William Blake's frontispiece for "America a Prophecy." It’s a print, and I’m immediately struck by the figure on the left—the weight of those wings seems crushing. What kind of story do you think Blake is trying to tell here? Curator: Look closer. This isn't just about weight, but about power, specifically the oppressive power structures of empire. Blake critiques the very foundations of America, even before its full formation. How does the huddled family contrast with the monumental, brooding figure? Editor: They seem vulnerable, seeking protection perhaps? Curator: Precisely. Blake is portraying the human cost of revolution and the potential for tyranny, even within movements promising liberation. What does that make you consider about the promises of progress? Editor: It’s a reminder that progress isn’t guaranteed to be universally good. Curator: Indeed. Blake compels us to critically examine the narratives we inherit and the power dynamics they conceal.