The Lord Answering Job from the Whirlwind
About this artwork
The Old Testament book of Job tells the story of a wealthy and devout man whose faith is tested by subjection to a series of catastrophes and afflications, yet remains devoted to god. Blake was particularly fascinated by this figure and it is suggested he related his own experiences and misfortunes to Job’s. This work depicts a climactic moment where Job, at the height of his torments experiences a mystical vision of the Lord. Blake shows god as an all-powerful deity with outstretched arms over the kneeling figure of Job, a strong gesture that Blake used throughout his religious works.
Updated before 2020
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artist:William Blake (1757 - 1827) English
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title:The Lord Answering Job from the Whirlwind
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date created:About 1803 - 1805
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materials:Pen and ink and watercolour over pencil on paper
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measurements:39.30 x 33.00 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Presented by the trustees of Mr Graham Robertson 1949 through Art Fund
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accession number:D NG 2117
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gallery:
William Blake
William Blake
Blake's vivid paintings and prints illustrate his originality as an artist, poet and mystic philosopher. His early apprenticeship with the engraver James Basire introduced him to a wide range of art works through prints. Blake was fascinated by Michelangelo's figures and also by medieval Gothic art...