The Daughter of Men Becomes a Siren

c. 1824/1827

William Blake

Associated Names
William Blake

Artist, British, 1757 - 1827

The image is a pencil sketch featuring multiple human figures. The sketch shows full-length body depictions of two standing figures and one figure lying down. The standing figures are drawn with arms raised, one on the left and one centrally placed. The left figure appears as if floating or in motion, with markings on the body, potentially scales or texture, and has a curly hairstyle. The central standing figure has a slight tilt suggesting movement or dance. The facial features are not detailed but imply an upward gaze. Both figures appear unclothed, their forms suggested with light lines. The lying figure is depicted in a reclined position. The background is plain and unmarked, emphasizing the sketched figures without distraction. No jewelry or objects are distinguished in the drawing. The artwork has a rough, ethereal quality typical of a preliminary 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

    1944.14.7

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Butlin 1981, no. 827, State 3


Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1957

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

Bibliography

1973

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

1975

  • Fine 1975, IV.A.7.

1981

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

Inscriptions

upper center: B of Enoch; vertical along left edge facing outward: No 26 nextat p 43 / Hell Canto 16 (effaced); lower left upside do wn: 102; lower left: 4

Wikidata ID

Q64636523

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