GENERAL DESCRIPTION
In his series The Book of Job, William Blake adopted the style of medieval illuminated manuscripts, evident in the decorative border filled with pointed arches and emblematic imagery. Here, Job and his wife stand at the bottom corners in a pastoral scene symbolic of their past innocence. On either side, Gothic decorations weave and stretch organically across the page, with peacocks of pride and the parrot of vain repetitions residing on architectural bands. At the top, a cathedral-like tympanum is carved with biblical text and “King Jehovah” written in Hebrew. Blake juxtaposes the image with his own biblical commentary, engaging the reader in the artist’s personal theological interpretation. The primary theme of this Old Testament subject focuses on God’s justice in the face of human suffering, demonstrated through the main character, Job. He is shown in the central panel surrounded by his family, directly imitating the throne of God above Job.
Excerpt from
Nicole Myers, DMA label copy, 2018.
NOTES
Created in 1825
Checked Piction
2nd state
Catalogue essays
Artist/designers
Blake, William (British, 1757-1827)
Cultures
Geography
Place of origin: London (England): TGN: 7011781
Process/materials
Engraving on paper
Historical periods
Individuals
Subject terms
RELATED OBJECTS
PROVENANCE
AUDIO ASSETS
VIDEO ASSETS
IMAGE ASSETS
WEB RESOURCES
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York~Read a biography of William Blake from the Met.
- The William Blake Archive~Explore the works of William Blake.
- The University of Adelaide~View Blake's illustrations for The Book of Job.
- Tate, London~This webpage from Tate Kids helps to teach children about the life and work of William Blake.
ARCHIVAL RESOURCES
FUN FACTS
TEACHING IDEAS
RULES
Apply to objects where number equals 1940.1
Category
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General Description
In his series The Book of Job, William Blake adopted the style of medieval illuminated manuscripts, evident in the decorative border filled with pointed arches and emblematic imagery. Here, Job and his wife stand at the bottom corners in a pastoral scene symbolic of their past innocence. On either side, Gothic decorations weave and stretch organically across the page, with peacocks of pride and the parrot of vain repetitions residing on architectural bands. At the top, a cathedral-like tympanum is carved with biblical text and “King Jehovah” written in Hebrew. Blake juxtaposes the image with his own biblical commentary, engaging the reader in the artist’s personal theological interpretation. The primary theme of this Old Testament subject focuses on God’s justice in the face of human suffering, demonstrated through the main character, Job. He is shown in the central panel surrounded by his family, directly imitating the throne of God above Job.
Excerpt from
Nicole Myers, DMA label copy, 2018.
Fun Facts
Archival Resources
Web Resources
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York~Read a biography of William Blake from the Met.
- The William Blake Archive~Explore the works of William Blake.
- The University of Adelaide~View Blake's illustrations for The Book of Job.
- Tate, London~This webpage from Tate Kids helps to teach children about the life and work of William Blake.
Notes
Created in 1825
Checked Piction
2nd state
Catalogue essays
Artist/designers
Blake, William (British, 1757-1827)
Cultures
Geography
Place of origin: London (England): TGN: 7011781
Process/materials
Engraving on paper
Historical periods
Individuals
Subject terms
RELATED OBJECTS
PROVENANCE
AUDIO ASSETS
VIDEO ASSETS
rules
Apply To
Objects
number
Equals
1940.1
source file
object_notes_2_d-0307.xml.nores