Group of Men Seated in a Circle [recto] c. 1780 - 1785

William Blake created this watercolor drawing, entitled "Group of Men Seated in a Circle" at an unknown date. It seems to depict a gathering of men, their expressions contemplative. Blake was working in Britain during a period of immense social upheaval, amidst the industrial revolution, the enlightenment, and the rise of revolutionary ideas. His art often challenged the established norms of his time. He was critical of institutions like the Church and the monarchy. Here, the circle might symbolize unity or philosophical discussion, but it is hard to be sure. The setting is vague and the men themselves are not obviously identifiable. To truly understand this drawing, we can delve into Blake’s personal history, his other artworks, and the intellectual currents of his time. By studying these contextual factors, we can gain a deeper understanding of Blake’s artistic vision and his commentary on the society in which he lived.