War (The Accusers of Theft, Adultery, Murder)

c. 1803/1810

William Blake

Associated Names
William Blake

Artist, British, 1757 - 1827

In the image, there are three full-body figures standing closely together. The individuals are positioned in a row, with the center and right figures facing forward while the left figure is turned slightly towards the right. The central character has a despondent facial expression, with droopy eyes and mouth, and features a beard and long, disheveled hair. The hair of the left figure appears wild and spiked, while the right figure has short, combed-back hair. Attire varies among them, with the left figure seemingly clad in a scaled garment or armor, the central figure draped in a flowing garment, and the right figure appearing shirtless. The right figure is holding a large sword upright against his shoulder with both hands. The background consists of vertical striations that may represent wood or a cave-like setting. The words "Theft," "Adultery," and "Murder" are written above the figures. Below the image, an inscription indicates the scene is related to "The Last Judgment," attributed to W. Blake.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    image: 21.6 x 12.1 cm (8 1/2 x 4 3/4 in.)
    sheet: 31.1 x 23.5 cm (12 1/4 x 9 1/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.8972

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Bindman 1978, no. 402


Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1965

  • William Blake, Andrew Dickson White Museum of Art, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 1965, no. 19.

1982

  • Lessing J. Rosenwald: Tribute to a Collector, NGA, 1982, no. 97, repro.

1997

  • Six Centuries/Six Artists, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1997.

Bibliography

1978

  • Bindman, David. The Complete Graphic Works of William Blake. London: Thames and Hudson, 1978.

Wikidata ID

Q65026680

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