Job and his Wife restored to Prosperity
Original title: Job and his Wife restored to Prosperity
kurzbeschreibung
An engraved plate by William Blake from 1825–26 that captures the moment when Job, after his trials, is restored to prosperity by God. Blake worked in engraving on paper; the image presents Job, his family and his herds.
Description
An older man sits at the center, surrounded by younger figures with musical instruments and gestures. Sheep rest on the ground, while trees and the moon emerge in the background. Above the scene appear the words 'Great & Marvellous are thy Works Lord God Almighty' and 'Just & True are thy Ways O thou King of Saints'; below follow further scriptural quotations and the signature 'W. Blake inv & sculp'.
Context
Between 1823 and 1826, Blake created his series 'Illustrations of the Book of Job' at the suggestion of the artist John Linnell. This plate belongs to that series of 22 engravings, considered his graphic masterpiece. The biblical story of Job deeply engaged Blake; he understood it as a parable of humanity's inner struggle.
Impact
The symmetrical arrangement of the figures and the calm, solemn mood give the plate a sublime, contemplative presence. Image and scriptural quotations combine into a meditative depth that invites reflection on faith and divine providence.
Technique
For this copper engraving, lines were incised into the metal plate and then printed in ink on paper. The delicate linework and graduated shading demonstrate Blake's assured command of etching and engraving techniques. Published in London, the plate measures 21.6 x 16.8 cm (plate) and 41 x 27.6 cm (paper).
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)