Job accepting Charity
Original title: Job accepting Charity
kurzbeschreibung
William Blake made this engraving in 1825–26 after an episode from the Book of Job. Job sits at the center on a bench; one woman offers him comfort while two others stand to the side. A man of prophetic appearance approaches, and behind them a tree rises, filled with angels.
Description
The layout divides into two zones. Above, two angels hover, their inscriptions reading 'The Lord maketh Poor & maketh Rich' and 'He bringeth Low & Lifteth Up'. Below, the main action unfolds around Job and his companions, framed by a tree full of angels. At the bottom edge, two more angels hand out money, accompanied by the words 'Who remembered us in our low estate For his Mercy endurath for ever'. Stark contrasts of light and dark and forceful lines define the style.
Context
This plate belongs to Blake's cycle of illustrations for the Book of Job, which he produced between 1825 and 1826 for his friend John Linnell. Blake was then over 60 and was regarded as a visionary artist with an idiosyncratic visual language. The cycle comprises 21 plates and is considered one of his major late works.
Impact
The dramatic lighting throws Job's situation into relief as a moment of humility and divine attention. Clear lines and symbolic elevation give the event a solemn, almost liturgical aura that avoids sentimentality.
Technique
Executed as an engraving, in which the drawing is cut into a copper plate. The plate measures 21.6 x 16.8 cm, while the sheet is larger at 41.4 x 27.6 cm. Prints were usually pulled in sepia or black, and Blake often added watercolor; this is a pure black-and-white print.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)