A Crouching Figure Holding a Shield [verso]

probably c. 1793

William Blake

Associated Names
William Blake

Artist, British, 1757 - 1827

This is a drawing of an abstract form containing sweeping lines and organic shapes. The drawing consists of pencil lines on a textured paper. The central feature is elongated and looped, with curved lines. There is a sense of movement and the figure is surrounded by additional rounded shapes. The drawing occupies most of the paper with a few vertical and horizontal lines framing the figure. The overall composition appears to capture a dynamic pose.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    graphite

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (approximate): 13.2 x 18.5 cm (5 3/16 x 7 5/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1947.12.4.b

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Butlin 1981, no. 229, State verso

Associated Artworks

The image is an abstract pencil sketch of a person standing with legs wide apart and arms raised overhead. The person is holding a circular or crescent-shaped object above their head. The facial features are rough with large, prominent eyes and a focused expression. The hair is depicted with lines radiating outward. The person appears unclothed, with sketch lines hinting at body contours. The background is filled with swirling, zigzag lines, possibly indicating movement or energy.

Los Supporting the Sun [recto]

William Blake

1793

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1981

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

Watermarks

I TAYLOR (Heawood 108, Shorter fig.172)

Wikidata ID

Q64636559

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