Los and His Spectre [verso]

c. 1804/1807

William Blake

Associated Names
William Blake

Artist, British, 1757 - 1827

The image shows a rough, unfinished sketch of a figure seated on a block or pedestal, facing left. The facial features are minimal, with soft curls or waves for hair. The body is outlined with sketchy lines and lacks detailed clothing. Vague outlines around the figure suggest a complex scene or structure, possibly with another form resembling wings. The background is plain with a grid layout, and no color or intricate details are included.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    graphite, squared

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 20.3 x 15.9 cm (8 x 6 1/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.8998.b

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Butlin 1981, no. 561, State verso

Associated Artworks

The image shows a preliminary sketch on lightly toned paper, featuring an incomplete penciled drawing of several figures. The sketch focuses on three individuals depicted in partial to full form. The first figure is an elderly man with a beard and simple cloaking. He is slightly hunched forward, suggesting a seated stance on an elevated section. Facing him is a partially sketched individual who appears to be kneeling or seated. The third person is a female figure in a reclining posture with facial outlines, long hair, draped clothing, and what appears to be jewelry. The figures are within a grid system, and the background includes faint architectural elements like a tall window or pillar, indicating an unfinished preparatory work.

Queen Katherine's Dream [recto]

William Blake

1804

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1965

  • William Blake, Andrew Dickson White Museum of Art, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 1965, no. 11.

2001

  • William Blake, Tate Britain and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, London and New York, 2000-2001, cat. no. 293 (verso only, shown only in New York).

Bibliography

1981

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

Wikidata ID

Q64636353

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