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Title
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William Blake at Hampstead by John Linnell
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Student Commentary:
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This sketch of Blake from The Complete Portraiture of William and Catherine Blake was done by John Linnell in 1825. Linnell, a close friend and champion of Blake’s work, commissioned many works by Blake and introduced him to many people. Blake was known to visit Linnell’s home at Hampstead Heath many times, especially towards the end of his life. As in many of the other sketches of Blake, he appears to looking out with a skeptical eye. Rarely, if ever, is Blake shown smiling in these sketches. Not available at the William Blake Archive. Consult the book in Schaffer Library for a detailed view of the image.
