Open Collection Archive

← All artists

Blake, William

18 works

The image features figures and shapes arranged in three horizontal bands. In the upper section, an abstract pattern of symmetrical human-like figures with raised arms is depicted. The center of the image displays a flowing abstract shape surrounding central human figures. Below, a group of seated figures is arranged in a semi-circle. The overall composition creates an abstract narrative through the arrangement of figures within distinct horizontal zones.

When the Morning Stars Sang Together

Blake, William

This drawing portrays an ethereal scene with figures and a mythological creature. It features nude figures in classical poses with a cloaked figure beside them, interacting with a dragon-like creature. The background has stylized clouds and natural forms with fine etched lines. The scene is on a copper plate, giving it a reddish-brown hue.

The Circle of the Thieves; Buoso Donati Attacked by the Serpent

Blake, William

A long, rectangular dining table is surrounded by thirteen people in this horizontal painting. The skin of all the people, some of their clothing, and the tabletop are painted golden yellow. Touches of aquamarine blue, salmon pink, and rust red appear in some clothing, and the scene is set against a nearly black background. Across from us at the center of the table, a radiating, gold starburst surrounds the head and shoulders of a man, Jesus, with shoulder-length blond hair and beard. He looks at or toward us with dark eyes as he holds his hands up, palms facing out, at his chest. He wears a champagne-white robe and reclines with his legs extended to our left as he rests his opposite elbow on what could be a cushion or rolled-up blanket. To our right, a second person mirrors Jesus’s reclining position but with wrists crossed over the chest and turning to look toward Jesus. That person wears a long teal-blue garment and has smooth cheeks and long blond hair. Another bearded man to our left, near the back corner of the table, leans away from Jesus with hands held up as if in prayer. Three people lounge or sit on each of the short sides of the table to our left and right, and four recline on the side closest to us. Some have beards and others are cleanshaven, and some have short hair while others have long locks. Most of them look toward Jesus while two bend low to the table in prayer. One man, in the lower right, wears brick red and turns his back on the table as he counts or touches coins in a sack. The long table is set with goblets and plates of food. The artist signed the work with his initials in the lower left corner: “WB inv.”

The Last Supper

Blake, William

The image shows an engraved plate depicting two figures standing side by side, with their heads tilted. The figures are wearing long, flowing garments that cover their bodies. The background is intricately engraved, suggesting elements like a mountain or cliff on the left side and an implied landscape in front of the figures.

The Circle of the Traitors; Dante's Foot Striking Bocca degli Abbate

Blake, William

This is a photograph of a copper printing plate. The plate displays reverse-engraved text with letters indented into the metal surface. The writing is in an elegant font and is surrounded by ornamental designs. A small illustration of a bird in flight is at the top left corner. The copper's patina gives the plate a brownish tone, contrasting with the polished surface and engraved lines.

Fragment of cancelled plate for "A Prophecy" [recto]

Blake, William

This is a carved copper plate. The plate itself is dark red, and the carved lines are light gray. The plate shows five people, two on the left, two on the right, and one in the center being eaten by a demonic creature. The central man and the two people on the left are nude, while the two people on the right wear long robes and have long hair. The central man is being attacked from behind by an enormous lizard-like creature with scales, wings, and a long tail. The creature has six legs that end in claws, and they are all grabbing onto the man, its tail wrapping around his leg. His head is visible in the creature's open mouth, his features contorted. There are snakes slithering around the rocky terrain in the background, some hissing at the two people on the left.

The Circle of the Thieves; Agnolo Brunelleschi Attacked by a Six-Footed Serpent

Blake, William

Thirteen individuals are shown kneeling on the ground in a semi-circle around two central figures. The central figures appear to be a man and a woman with long hair. The individuals wear flowing robes. The central figures have hands clasped, while others have hands raised. The scene takes place under a large tree with a full canopy, with decorative motifs on the bark. The background shows hills, a moon, and a landscape suggesting nature. Sheep are in the foreground.

Job and His Family

Blake, William

This is a drawing showing figures in dynamic postures. The image is an intricately engraved depiction on a copper plate suggesting a narrative or mythical scene. One figure is leaning forward with an assertive gesture towards another figure standing more upright. The copper background adds warmth to the artwork, with finely etched lines conveying motion and emotion within the figures. The style is highly detailed and expressive, depicting a dramatic interaction between the forms.

The Circle of the Corrupt Officials; the Devils Tormenting Ciampolo

Blake, William

This is a drawing of swirling lines and abstract forms. It depicts an interplay between figures and flowing elements, suggesting motion and energy. The detailed linework emphasizes the fluidity and movement of the forms within a rectangular border. The composition is precise, creating a visual impact through the use of line and form.

The Lord Answering Job out of the Whirlwind

Blake, William

This is a drawing of several figures in a mystical scene under a starry sky. The image shows several seated figures on one side and one standing figure gesturing towards them. Behind the seated figures is a structure made of stacked blocks or stones. The scene is set against a backdrop of stark lines and contrasting shades, with a night sky filled with small stars or dots.

The Wrath of Elihu

Blake, William

This is an engraved plate. The plate itself is dark red, and the lines on it are gray. At the bottom of the plate appears to be a river filled with people twisting and turning in the water. On the right, the river appears to float upward and loop around itself, ending in the top right corner. In the center is a stretch of ground that reaches to the left edge of the plate. On the ground, a person stands, looking down at another person that lays on the ground below them. Both people wear robes and appear to have long hair. Above the person who lays on the ground seems to be another large wave of water that carries two people upward inside it, a man and a woman with their arms outstretched towards each other. In the sky on the left is a large round sun-like shape near that emits rays of light. In the sun are the outlines of two intertwined people who appear to be kissing.

The Circle of the Lustful: Paolo and Francesca

Blake, William

The Circle of the Corrupt Officials; the Devils Mauling Each Other

The Circle of the Corrupt Officials; the Devils Mauling Each Other

Blake, William

The image shows a landscape with two figures on a rocky surface overlooking a vast expanse. In the background, there are hills or mountains with a winding river or road. The etching technique showcases fine lines and intricate details, emphasizing texture and depth. The color palette is predominantly coppery, giving the artwork an aged and earthy feel.

The Circle of the Falsifiers: Dante and Virgil Covering their Noses because of the st

Blake, William

This is a drawing of a biblical scene with a swirling figure surrounded by intricate linework. It depicts a dramatic whirlwind with ethereal figures intertwined with the wind. The central figure emerges from the scene, appearing powerful and commanding. The text above and below the drawing quotes a scriptural narrative: "Then the Lord answered Job out of the Whirlwind." The intricate details and textural contrasts create a vivid portrayal of an epic moment, filled with movement and emotion.

The Lord Answering Job out of the Whirlwind

Blake, William

This is a drawing of a group of figures gathered under a tree. The central focus of the drawing is a cluster of figures congregated beneath a large tree with serpentine branches. Surrounding them are more trees and landscape elements, including a crescent moon in the sky. In the foreground, there are sheep lying on the ground. The detailed lines and shading create an intricate scene, giving depth and texture to the figures and foliage. The composition and style suggest a blend of mystical and pastoral themes.

Job and His Family

Blake, William

This is a drawing featuring a central figure seated in an elevated position, surrounded by an ethereal halo or orb of light. Flanking the central figure are two elongated forms. Below, there is a group of figures gathered around a symbolic or abstract natural element that resembles a mountainous or tree-like structure. The composition includes intricate line work conveying movement and texture.

The Fall of Satan

Blake, William

The image displays swirling organic shapes with flowing lines resembling marbled patterns. Circular and oval forms akin to stones or bubbles move across the surface. The left side and corners have dark brown areas similar to aged leather. Vibrant colors like teal, green, and maroon blend in the central area to create a painterly wave or rippling water surface.

Fables (volume II)

Blake, William

This is a painting of a group of figures and sheep under a tree in the style of William Blake. The image features a collection of figures arranged in an arc, each holding musical instruments like harps, lyres, and trumpets. The figures are painted in flowing robes, suggesting a harmonious gathering. The scene includes sleeping sheep in the foreground, and the night sky above with a crescent moon and a single star. The painting uses muted, watercolor-like tones.

Job and His Family Restored to Prosperity

Blake, William