Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

Britain Hasn't Got Talent

January 13, 2010 by Marion Maneker

Jonathan Jones takes the occasion of the Tate’s purchase of eight William Blake drawings to assess the country’s artistic heritage. He finds the nation lacking in genius:

In reality Blake is the essential British artist. He is the only one we have ever produced who really captures the national genius. This is because he was a writer as well as an artist – and the English language is Britain’s true cultural achievement. We are not, repeat not, a nation of artists. The lack of great artists in our history is hilarious when you set it aside most other European nations. We have no Titian, Rembrandt or Picasso. We don’t even have a Dali. But we do have William Blake. It is the conceptual quality of Blake’s art that raises it above the run of British visual achievement.

Is William Blake Britain’s Best Artist? (Guardian)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • Bloomberg: Fine Art Since '04 Has Had 33% Annual ReturnBloomberg: Fine Art Since '04 Has Had 33% Annual Return
  • Zwirner ABMB ReportZwirner ABMB Report
  • PdP Frieze HighlightsPdP Frieze Highlights
  • Bonhams Expands Israeli Art SaleBonhams Expands Israeli Art Sale
  • Is This a Good Time for a €100 Million Art Fund?Is This a Good Time for a €100 Million Art Fund?
  • Old Masters by the NumbersOld Masters by the Numbers

Filed Under: Artists Tagged With: William Blake

About Marion Maneker

LiveArt

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor