The Man Sweeping the Interpreter's Parlor

c. 1820/1822

William Blake

Associated Names
William Blake

Artist, British, 1757 - 1827

This is a drawing of two figures interacting. One figure has angelic wings, a flowing robe, and holds a wand or staff. The other figure has horns, bat-like wings, and holds a broom. The background consists of swirling clouds or smoke, with smaller figures dispersed throughout. The drawing is detailed with fine lines emphasizing the textures of the wings, robes, and atmospheric effects.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    white-line metalcut

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 7.9 x 15.9 cm (3 1/8 x 6 1/4 in.)
    sheet: 23.5 x 31.1 cm (9 1/4 x 12 1/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.8984

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Bindman 1978, no. 619, State b

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1957

  • The Art of William Blake, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1957, no. 71.

1965

  • Master Prints from the Rosenwald Collection, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, 1965, no. 90.

  • William Blake, Andrew Dickson White Museum of Art, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 1965, no. 20.

1968

  • Good and Bad Angels, University of Notre Dame Art Gallery, IN, 1968, no catalogue.

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

Q65026695

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