The Accusers of Theft, Adultery, Murder (War)

c. 1794/1796

William Blake

Associated Names
William Blake

Artist, British, 1757 - 1827

The image shows three full-length figures standing closely together, each with distinct postures. The first figure on the left has curly brown hair and is dressed in a textured, gold-hued garment. The central figure has a pale complexion, a thick blond beard, and wears a crown of gold. He is draped in a black outfit and appears to be grasping his chin with both hands. The third figure on the right has curly blond hair and a muscular build, holding a large, black sword in both hands. He is partially clothed in a blue garment wrapped around his torso. The background consists of swirling dark and reddish tones.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    color-printed etching

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 21.6 x 12.1 cm (8 1/2 x 4 3/4 in.)
    sheet: 32.1 x 24.1 cm (12 5/8 x 9 1/2 in.)
    mat: 35.6 x 27.9 cm (14 x 11 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.8973

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Bindman 1978, no. 316

  • Series Title

    A Large Book of Designs: no.2

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1957

  • The Art of William Blake, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1957, no. 68.

1965

  • Master Prints from the Rosenwald Collection, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, 1965, no. 89.

  • Romantic Art, 1750-1900, American Federation of Arts, New York, NY, 1965-1966, no. 27.

1982

  • Lessing J. Rosenwald: Tribute to a Collector, NGA, 1982, no. 96, repro.

1985

  • Figure Prints from the National Gallery's Collection, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1985-1986, no cat.

1997

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

2000

  • William Blake, Tate Britain, London, 2000-2001, no. 204.

2006

  • The Artist's Vision: Romantic Traditions in Great Britain, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 2006 - 2007

Bibliography

1978

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

Wikidata ID

Q65026682

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