Andrew, Simon Peter Searching for Christ 1819

William Blake made this watercolor painting of Andrew, Simon Peter Searching for Christ. Blake was trained as an engraver, and he also developed his own unique methods of printmaking. In this work, we can see a similar sensibility. The contours are sharply defined, and the colours are applied in layers. Although watercolor is generally thought of as a fluid medium, here it is used with great precision. Look closely, and you'll notice the stippling in the faces, and the fine lines used to create the drapery. Blake, of course, was a visionary, and his work is deeply steeped in religious and philosophical symbolism. But it's important to remember that he was also a highly skilled craftsman. His mastery of materials and techniques allowed him to give form to his unique inner world. This approach bridges the world of craft and fine art, and reminds us of the labour involved in artistic production, particularly with the detailed surface of the figures and backgrounds in the composition.