Satan Before the Throne of God

1825

William Blake

Associated Names
William Blake

Artist, British, 1757 - 1827

This is a print showing several people in multiple layers against a cloudy sky. At the very top, a man with a long white beard sits with a book open on his lap, draped in long robes, looking down. There is a large white circle behind him with rays emanating from it. Below him, several people seem to float in the air. Many of them have their hands extended towards a central person who is surrounded by dark, swirling lines. This person is in a dynamic pose, with their legs extended as if in a large leap, and their hands stretched up as they gaze towards the seated figure at the top of the print. Below them is a line of people seated on wooden benches, many of them holding books or scrolls. In the center, a bearded man holds a book open towards two floating people on the left who hold long scrolls. All the people in the print have light skin. Around this print is a frame made of curving, thin lines with several sections of text and some small illustrations of birds and shepherds.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on thick paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.1659

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Bindman 1978, no. 627, State (second state)

  • Series Title

    Book of Job: pl.2

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

1965

  • William Blake, Andrew Dickson White Museum of Art, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 1965, no. 25.

Bibliography

1978

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

Wikidata ID

Q64962588

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