Experts at Oxford University’s Bodleian Libraries have made a fascinating discovery that sheds new light on the early career of renowned British writer and artist, William Blake. Doodles found on the reverse side of 18th-century printing plates, believed to be the work of a young Blake during his apprenticeship with master engraver James Basire, have recently come to light.
Using cutting-edge RCHiOx scanning technology, literary scholar Mark Crosby from Kansas State University uncovered these hidden markings that had been unnoticed for centuries. The intricate details of the doodles, including hatching, cross hatching, semi-circles, and motifs, provide a glimpse into the artistic development of the teenage apprentice.
The copper plates, originally created to illustrate Richard Gough’s book “Sepulchral Monuments in Great Britain,” were gifted to the Bodleian Libraries after Gough’s passing in 1809. Blake, who began his apprenticeship at the age of 15 in 1772, used these plates as a sketch pad to practice his engraving skills. The doodles offer a rare insight into Blake’s early creative process, showcasing a mix of detailed designs and simple teenage scribbles.
One particularly striking discovery is a small face etching, possibly one of Blake’s earliest engravings, which features two eyes, a partial nose, and lips. Another doodle includes the word “LONDON” with the letter “O” intricately hatched in. These personal and intimate moments captured on the plates provide a glimpse into the young artist’s mind as he honed his craft.
Crosby’s thorough examination of the plates alongside other materials at the Bodleian Libraries led him to confidently attribute the etchings to Blake. The presence of short-shafted arrow motifs, commonly found in Blake’s later works like watercolor paintings of John Milton’s “Paradise Lost,” further supports this attribution.
This groundbreaking research not only offers a deeper understanding of Basire’s studio and Blake’s formative years but also provides valuable insights into the artistic and technical development of the iconic artist at the beginning of his career. The newly discovered engravings serve as a testament to Blake’s early talent and offer a fresh perspective on his journey as a visionary artist and poet.
As this discovery continues to captivate scholars and art enthusiasts alike, it serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of William Blake and the importance of exploring hidden gems from the past to uncover new dimensions of artistic genius.
