Angel of the Revelation (Book of Revelation, chapter 10)
Original title: Angel of the Revelation (Book of Revelation, chapter 10)
kurzbeschreibung
The angel from the tenth chapter of the Book of Revelation stands at the heart of this watercolor by William Blake, made around 1803–05. Blake used watercolor, added pen and black ink, and employed brush and wash techniques over traces of graphite. The figure, a naked, muscular man, holds a book and raises his left hand. The sheet measures 39.2 × 26 cm.
Description
A naked, powerful angelic body dominates the picture field; the left hand is raised high, the right grasps a book. A bright radiance seems to emanate from the figure, penetrating the luminous ground. On the left in the background, several people sit in a cave and converse. Grey governs the palette, with pink and yellow tones emerging in the background. The arrangement is asymmetrical: the angel stands at the center, while the background figures are shifted to the left.
Context
During these years Blake devoted himself intensively to biblical subjects. This watercolor belongs to a series of sheets depicting scenes from the Apocalypse. His art combined mystical visions with a personal visual language that often drew on prophetic texts. No patron is recorded; the work was made during Blake's stay in Felpham.
Impact
The contrast between the luminous angelic figure and the dark grey values creates tension. The solemn gesture and the book give the sheet a serious, almost threatening mood. The unequal distribution of the picture's parts draws the eye to the main figure and emphasizes its otherworldly presence.
Technique
Watercolor, pen and black ink, brush and wash, and traces of graphite come together. This mixture produces delicate lines and soft, structured areas. Blake's precise detail work is highlighted by the translucent glazes of the watercolor.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)