William Blake's Enchanting Art: The Ghost of a Flea and Beyond

Among the myriad works of the visionary English poet and artist William Blake, one painting particularly stands out: The Ghost of a Flea (1819-1820). This intriguing piece, created as part of a series commissioned by the painter and astrologer John Varley, offers a fascinating glimpse into Blake's unique and mystical world.

In The Ghost of a Flea at the Tate Gallery in London, the spirit of the flea holds a cup for blood-drinking and gazes eagerly toward it, its hands holding an acorn and a thorn—icons deeply rooted in fairy iconography. According to Varley, this spirit imagery was a result of a séance held in 1819, where Blake claimed to have seen the apparition of the flea. This vision led Varley to provide Blake with the necessary materials to capture the image, leading to one of the most intriguing works in Blake's oeuvre.

Insight into Blake's Visionary Mind

Blake himself interpreted the flea's spirit as a monstrous being containing the souls of men, who were "by nature bloodthirsty to excess." This interpretation adds a layer of complexity to the work, inviting viewers to ponder the nature of existence and the human psyche.

Is It Art or Hallucination?

The authenticity of Blake's visions is subject to scholarly debate. Some scholars see these visions as a creative exercise of extreme imagination, while others argue that they might be hallucinations stemming from Blake's mental health struggles. Yet, others propose that these hallucinations were in fact religious visions. Regardless of their nature, the works inspired by these visions hold a unique place in the annals of art history, serving as a testament to Blake's extraordinary creative mind.

The Divine Image: A Timeless Battle

In addition to The Ghost of a Flea, Blake's elaborate poem The Divine Image carries significant contemporary relevance. The poem, which appeared in Jerusalem, reflects on the eternal battle between purity and corruption, and the ongoing struggle to build a just society:

And did those feet in ancient time N Walk upon England’s mountains green:
N And was the holy Lamb of God
N On England’s pleasant pastures seen!
N And did the countenance divine
N Shine forth upon our clouded hills
N And was Jerusalem builded here
N Among these dark Satanic Mills

Bring me my bow of burning gold:
Bring me my arrows of desire:
Bring me my spear: O clouds unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!

I will not cease from Mental Fight,

N Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand,

Till we have built Jerusalem

In England’s green and pleasant land.

The poem's imagery reflects a deep conflict between the divine and the dark, symbolized by the "Satanic Mills," urging the reader to engage in a mental battle to build a just society and uphold the virtues of purity and truth.

William Blake's Enduring Impact

One of the most striking examples of William Blake's enduring influence can be seen in an unexpected place. While at a dentist's waiting room, I came across a magazine titled "A Green and Pleasant Land." Reflecting on the poem's famous line, I was struck by how familiar the title seemed. Yet, to the Englishman I shared this with, who had studied English at an English university, the poem was entirely new. This highlights the widespread lack of familiarity with Blake's works, which is unfortunate given their profound impact on English literature and art.

Among the many works of Blake, The Ancient of Days is a favorite for many, including myself. This compelling scene, depicting the divine figure restraining a giant's forearm, is a powerful symbol of divine control and creation. Blake's ability to blend the spiritual and the physical in his works creates a profound and almost haunting impact, making each piece a unique exploration of his complex worldview.

The enduring appeal of William Blake's works lies not only in their artistic merit but also in the timeless questions and themes they address. From the apparition of a flea to the eternal battle between light and darkness, Blake's art continues to resonate with modern audiences, inviting us to reflect on our own existence and the world around us.