William Blake, 1757–1827, BritishPublished by Robert John Thornton, 1768–1837, British
Title:
Epicurus
Date:
1821
Materials & Techniques:
Etching and line engraving on medium, slightly textured, cream wove paper
Dimensions:
Spine: 7 1/8 inches (18.1 cm)
Inscription(s)/Marks/Lettering:
Lettered lower center: "E(P)IKOYROZ"; lower right: "Blake, del. et Sculp."; lower center: "Epicurus. | A Grecian Philosopher, Flourished 264 years before | Christ, His philosophy was transfused into Latin, | by the great Roman Poet Lucretius, who | flourished 105 years before Christ, and wrote | his "De Rerum Natura" on the Nature of | Things. | He placed the summum bonum on | Tranquillity of Mind, arising from Virtue, and | the Contemplation of Nature. | He is said to have been born 342 B.C. Died 270 B.C. ae: 72. | London, Published by Dr.Thornton, 1821."
Credit Line:
Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection