Martin Johnson Heade was an American painter who lived from 1819 to 1904. He was best known for his luminous still lifes of flowers, birds, and landscapes, particularly from his time in Brazil. Heade was relatively unknown during his lifetime but shot to fame and popularity, in the 20th century for this series of paintings inspired by plants and animal life in South America.

One of Britain’s most influential figures, William Blake, a painter, poet and printmaker lived in a time of great opposing views. Labelled by some as a madman as industry and revolution began to grow, there was also the need for enlightenment and spiritual awakening within the world. An influential few, who trusted in Blake’s visions that sought the betterment of the human race, gave him the encouragement to continue with his life’s work. He achieved many great things, but one that stands out the most was the idea of immortality, as his art and poetry still ring true today, bringing light to the dark and wisdom to a world on the brink of collapse.