Christ Descending into the Grave, from "The Grave," a Poem by Robert Blair
Original title: Christ Descending into the Grave, from "The Grave," a Poem by Robert Blair
kurzbeschreibung
In William Blake's 1813 engraving, Christ descends a flight of stairs. He carries a key in each hand and wears a long robe. The print belongs to the illustrations for Robert Blair's poem 'The Grave.'
Description
Christ stands at the center, stepping down over a stone stair. A billowing robe surrounds him, and a beard frames his face. Both arms are extended to the sides, and in each hand rests a large key. Around the staircase lies a net-like web that resembles threads or a spider's web. At the bottom of the image is a text with the title and a verse from the poem. The style feels classical and recalls ancient models.
Context
The engraving was created as part of William Blake's series of illustrations for Robert Blair's poem 'The Grave,' first published in 1743. Publisher Robert Cromek commissioned the series; it was first published in 1808. Blake's Christ with the keys of hell and death goes back to the Revelation of John (Rev 1:18). The execution of this particular print from 1813 is by Luigi Schiavonetti, who engraved after Blake's design.
Impact
Christ's calm, monumental posture conveys a solemn dignity. The net-like web around the stairs creates a mysterious, almost surreal atmosphere. Clear lines and the classical layout give the print a timeless, sublime presence.
Technique
Copper engraving is a printing process in which lines are incised into a copper plate and then transferred to paper. Schiavonetti translated Blake's design into copper, allowing for fine, precise lines. With plate dimensions of about 22.9 x 12.4 cm, the print is relatively small and richly detailed.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)