The Vision of the Lord of Spirits

c. 1824/1827

William Blake

Associated Names
William Blake

Artist, British, 1757 - 1827

The sketch depicts several figures in various poses. The central figure is standing upright, flanked by other figures. The central figure's facial features are softly outlined with a focus on the eyes, and there are wavy indications of hair. The clothing is not explicitly detailed, giving the impression of a nude form with sketchy lines suggesting motion or drapery. There are no visible jewelry or objects. Surrounding the central figure are other human forms in different poses. The background has light pencil markings, and handwritten notes are present at the top and bottom of the sketch.

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

    1944.14.9

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Butlin 1981, no. 827, State 5

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1957

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

Bibliography

1973

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

1975

  • Fine 1975, IV.A.9.

1981

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

Inscriptions

upper left: Book of ENOCH; in later hand, upper left: 1 Enoch

Wikidata ID

Q64636530

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