The Chaining of Orc

1812

William Blake

Associated Names
William Blake

Artist, British, 1757 - 1827

Three human figures are visible in the image. Two are standing upright, with the one on the left leaning forward and covering their face with one hand. The other standing figure has raised hands and a slight forward gaze. Both have distinct facial features and curly hair with halos sketched around their heads. The third figure is lying down with their upper body turned to the side. The figures appear nude with no clothing. The background shows a textured sky with swirling patterns resembling clouds, and a textured surface beneath the figures adds depth to the scene.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    relief etching

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 10.8 x 7.9 cm (4 1/4 x 3 1/8 in.)
    sheet: 31.1 x 23.5 cm (12 1/4 x 9 1/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.8975

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Bindman 1978, no. 479

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1957

  • The Art of William Blake, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1957, no. 73.

1982

  • Lessing J. Rosenwald: Tribute to a Collector, NGA, 1982, no. 18, 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

Q65026684

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