A Man Seen from Behind, Rising on Clouds c. 1794

William Blake made this pencil sketch of a figure ascending through clouds. It is difficult to date, though it probably originates sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. Blake was an outsider to the British art establishment, and he challenged the norms of his day. He criticized the Royal Academy for its emphasis on naturalistic representation. We might read this sketch in light of Blake’s unique spiritual beliefs, which are quite contrary to the social and political norms of the United Kingdom at the time. His work is filled with visionary figures and spiritual symbolism. A figure rising on clouds could be seen as an aspiration for spiritual transcendence. The wispy lines give the impression of movement and weightlessness. To fully appreciate Blake's art, we can turn to the resources of social history: biographies, letters, and the writings of his contemporaries can help us understand the context in which he worked. By understanding Blake's position within the art world, we can appreciate the ways in which his art challenged the expectations of his time.