John Linnell, painter, engraver, art teacher and Blake's last major patron first met him in 1818 when he accompanied George Cumberland Jr. on a visit to Blake's house in South Molton Street. Linnell asked Blake to assist him with engraving work and, when he saw the watercolour drawings which Blake had done for Thomas Butts illustrating the Book of Job, he commissioned Blake to make a set for him. Linnell championed Blake, bought his work, and introduced him to John Varley, Samuel Palmer, Frederick and Arthur Tatham and other artists. He painted a miniature portrait of Blake in watercolour on ivory in the year in which Blake began to work on his commissioned Illustrations of the book of Job. |
Item No. 45
|
