The Wrath of Elihu
Original title: The Wrath of Elihu
kurzbeschreibung
William Blake's engraving 'The Wrath of Elihu' (1825–26) presents a biblical episode: a man with raised arm preaches to a group of seated elders. Stars, clouds, and inscriptions frame the scene.
Description
A central figure with outstretched arm and animated gesture dominates the foreground. At his feet several older men recline, looking up at him. Clouds and stars suggest a heavenly sphere in the background. Inscriptions line the edges of the image and elucidate the event. Strong light-dark contrasts define the composition.
Context
Blake created this engraving as an illustration for the Book of Job. It belongs to his late major projects: between 1825 and 1826 he produced a series of 22 engravings for the publisher John Linnell. In the biblical account, Elihu appears as a young critic of Job's friends.
Impact
The central gesture and the contrast-rich lighting give the print dramatic and spiritual tension. The combination of image and text creates a meditative, instructive mood that draws the viewer into the biblical narrative.
Technique
For this work Blake used copper engraving: lines are incised into a metal plate. Fine hatching and clear contours testify to the precision characteristic of Blake. The engraving was printed on paper; the plate measures 21.6 × 16.7 cm.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)