Moses Staying the Plague (?) [recto]

c. 1780/1785

William Blake

Associated Names
William Blake

Artist, British, 1757 - 1827

This is a drawing of several figures around a central, robed figure with arms raised. The central figure stands with a flowing robe and commanding posture. Surrounding figures look upwards, with arms extended. The figures are muscular and idealized with a minimalistic background. Light and shadow add depth to the scene, creating a dreamy atmosphere. The drawing captures a moment of significance, suggesting themes of leadership, divinity, or collective aspiration.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and ink with wash on two joined sheets

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 34.3 x 42.8 cm (13 1/2 x 16 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.1721.a

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Butlin 1981, no. 115, State recto

Associated Artworks

This is a drawing of a human leg and foot in sandals. The drawing is sketched lightly with graphite on paper, capturing a portion of a statue or figure with emphasis on a lifelike depiction of the lower leg and the foot which appears to be wearing a sandal. The composition is minimalist with soft outlines defining the contours and muscles of the leg and foot, rendered with subtle shading to suggest volume and texture. The background is left bare.

The Belvedere Torso [verso]

William Blake

1779

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1996

  • William Blake, Visiones de Mundos Eternos (1757-1827), Fundación "la Caixa," Madrid; and Centre Cultural de la Fundació "la Caixa," Barcelona, 1996, no. 7.

Bibliography

1975

  • Fine 1975, IV.A.1.r.

  • Fine 1975, IV.A.1.v.

1981

  • Butlin, Martin. The Paintings and Drawings of William Blake. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1981.

Wikidata ID

Q64636290

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