The Creation
Original title: The Creation
kurzbeschreibung
William Blake made this engraving in 1825–26. It presents a layered allegorical scene: angels, a divine figure, and praying people set among stars and biblical words. The print belongs to a series of illustrations for the Book of Job.
Description
Five angels stand in a row, arms stretched upward, surrounded by stars. Below, a bearded figure in a long robe sits on a platform framed by clouds. In the lower area, several figures crowd together in prayer within a tight space. Left and right, symbols and text passages refer to the creation story. The engraving stays monochrome in shades of gray; even light brings out the contours.
Context
The etching was made for Blake's illustrated edition of the Book of Job, produced between 1823 and 1826. The series comprises 21 engravings, which Blake both designed and engraved. It was published in London in 1826, financed by the artist and his friend John Linnell. Blake's idiosyncratic iconography combines biblical motifs with personal mysticism.
Impact
Heavenly spheres and an earthly level interlock, creating spatial depth. Precise linework and even illumination give the sheet a calm, solemn mood. The dense arrangement of figures and texts invites prolonged looking.
Technique
The work was executed as an etching in copper engraving technique. The plate measures 20.6 x 16.4 cm, the sheet 41.8 x 27.6 cm. The lines are precisely engraved, allowing fine gradations in the gray tones.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)