Artwork

Christian with the Shield of Faith, Taking Leave of His Companions

Christian with the Shield of Faith, Taking Leave of His Companions is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist William Blake. It dates from 1826 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

The artist used a mix of media, including graphite, pen, ink, and watercolor, to create the work, which is an allegory.

This painting is called Christian with the Shield of Faith, Taking Leave of His Companions.
It was made by William Blake between 1824 and 1827.
The artist used a mix of media, including graphite, pen, ink, and watercolor, to create the work, which is an allegory.
This mix of media is interesting because it allowed Blake to achieve detailed and expressive lines.
Check out the movement: Romanticism.

Overview

Created between 1824 and 1827, this drawing by William Blake combines graphite, pen and ink, and watercolor. The work depicts a figure named Christian holding a shield labeled ‘Faith’ as he prepares to depart from his companions, presenting an allegorical scene typical of Blake’s later output.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure, Christian, embodies the biblical archetype of a pilgrim guided by faith. The shield he bears symbolizes spiritual protection, while his farewell to fellow travelers suggests a moment of personal resolve and separation on a moral or religious journey.

Technique & Style

Blake’s mixed media approach allows for fine, expressive line work rendered in graphite and ink, complemented by subtle washes of watercolor that give depth to the composition. The combination reflects his Romantic sensibility and his interest in merging drawing with painterly effects.

History & Provenance

The drawing belongs to the final phase of Blake’s career, a period when he focused increasingly on personal, visionary subjects. Produced in London, where Blake spent most of his life, the piece remained within his estate before entering public collections in the 19th century.

Context

Created during the Romantic era, the work aligns with contemporary interests in individual spirituality and the imagination. Blake’s allegorical treatment of Christian themes resonates with the period’s broader fascination with moral symbolism and the inner life of the artist.