The Descent of the Angels to One of the Daughters of Men

c. 1824/1827

William Blake

Associated Names
William Blake

Artist, British, 1757 - 1827

This is a drawing of three human-like figures. The central figure is nude with flowing hair and is posed with one arm reaching upwards. On either side of the central figure are two other humanoid forms depicted in a semi-transparent manner. Radiating lines extend from the side figures. The composition features soft, curving lines and blends gently into the background.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    graphite on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 52.6 x 37 cm (20 11/16 x 14 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1944.14.5

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Butlin 1981, no. 827, State 1

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1957

  • The Art of William Blake, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1957, no. 57a.

Bibliography

1970

  • Keynes 1970, 84.

1973

  • Taylor, P., BLAKE NEWS, 7 1973-74, fig.A.

1975

  • Fine 1975, IV.A.5.

1981

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

1999

  • Norris, Pamela. The Story of Eve. London, 1999: no. 9.

Inscriptions

upper center: From the Book of Enoch; in later hand, lower center: 3 Enoch

Watermarks

W ELGAR 1796 (similar to Shorter fig.57)

Wikidata ID

Q64636516

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