George Cumberland's Message Card
Original title: George Cumberland's Message Card
kurzbeschreibung
William Blake made this small engraving in 1827 as a calling card for George Cumberland. Executed as a copperplate engraving, the design gathers an allegorical group of figures with the name “Mr. Cumberland” at its centre.
Description
A man kneels at the front while beside him a figure springs up and another lies on the ground. Behind them, several figures move, some winged, hovering or gliding. The layout stays sketchy and plain; lines and shading emphasise movement. The words “Mr. Cumberland” take up a large area, and at the lower right appear the signature “W. Blake inv & sc” and the year 1827.
Context
The card dates from Blake’s last year; he died in 1827. George Cumberland, a close friend and supporter, was an art collector and author. In the nineteenth century such message cards served as personal visiting cards or notices. Blake made the engraving as a gift of friendship and an artistic present.
Impact
The moving figures and delicate linework give the sheet liveliness. Text and allegorical imagery combine into an intimate, personal note. The sketchy execution brings out the work’s spontaneous, experimental character.
Technique
In copperplate engraving, lines are cut into a copper plate and then printed. The plate measures only 3.3 x 8.3 cm, which demanded precise and fine work. With “inv & sc” (inventit et sculpsit) Blake signed and so stressed his double role as inventor and engraver.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)