Job and His Family

1825

William Blake

Associated Names
William Blake
Artist, British, 1757 - 1827
This is a drawing of a biblical scene showing Job with his family and livestock under a large tree. Animals, likely sheep, are in the foreground, and the figures are engaged in conversation. The backdrop includes clouds and a crescent moon. Inscriptions above the image read "Our Father which art in Heaven hallowed be thy Name" and below read "Thus did Job continually." Additional text provides context about Job, mentioning the land of Uz and characteristics of righteousness and fear of God. The style is meticulous and detailed, resembling religious manuscripts.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on thick paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 19.9 × 16.5 cm (7 13/16 × 6 1/2 in.)
    sheet: 29.6 × 21.8 cm (11 5/8 × 8 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.1657

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Bindman 1978, no. 626, State (fourth state)

  • Series Title

    Book of Job: pl.1

Associated Artworks

See all 66 artworks
The image features a rectangular printed artwork mounted on a slightly larger blank page. The artwork depicts a group of people gathered around a central figure beneath a large tree. The central figure appears to be gesturing or holding an object, surrounded by individuals standing and observing with their hands clasped or held in front of them. The figures' bodies are shown from approximately the knees upward, as they are seated or standing in a loosely circular formation. Facial features are sketched with delicate lines; the hair of the individuals appears to be long and flowing. They are dressed in long, flowing garments. Behind the group, the background features rolling landscapes, with architectural elements visible on one side, suggesting a building or structure in the distance. Additionally, a crescent moon or planet-like shape is visible in the sky above the group. The setting evokes a classical or pastoral scene.

Job and His Family

William Blake
1825
This is a photograph of a book title page. The page features the title "ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE BOOK OF JOB BY WILLIAM BLAKE" printed in large text and below it, smaller text reads: "THE LINNELL COLLECTION OF THE TRIAL STATES OF THE PLATES". The typography is clean and structured on an off-white or cream-colored paper.

Illustrations of the Book of Job: The Linnell Collection of Trial States of the Plates

William Blake
1825
This is a drawing of a gathering beneath a tree in a pastoral landscape. In the center, there is a large tree with intricate branches. Surrounding the tree is a semicircle of figures. The figures are seated or kneeling, all focused inward towards a central figure. The background includes rolling hills and a structure resembling a castle or chapel on the left. On the right, a crescent moon is visible in the sky. At the base, animals are resting peacefully. The drawing is monochrome, showcasing fine detailing in the figures and landscape.

Job and His Family

William Blake
1825

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1968

  • L'Incisione Europea dal XV al XX Secolo, Galleria Civica d'Arte Moderna, Turin, Italy, 1968. no. 228c, repro.

Bibliography

1978

  • Bindman, David. The Complete Graphic Works of William Blake. London: Thames and Hudson, 1978.

Wikidata ID

Q64962585

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