Who painted Job and His Family?

Job and His Family was painted by William Blake in 1825.

Where can I see Job and His Family?

Job and His Family is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Job and His Family?

Job and His Family is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Job and His Family

William Blake , 1825

Job and His Family is a graphite print by the Romanticist artist William Blake. It dates from 1825 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1825, this print by William Blake presents a biblical tableau titled *Job and His Family*. Executed as an engraving on thick paper and bordered with graphite, the work belongs to the later phase of Blake’s artistic output. It forms part of a series of prints that visually interpret passages from the Book of Job, reflecting the poet‑artist’s sustained interest in scriptural subjects.

Subject & Meaning

At the composition’s centre stands a bearded figure, identified as Job, clutching a book while surrounded by family members and attendants.

At the composition’s centre stands a bearded figure, identified as Job, clutching a book while surrounded by family members and attendants. Some kneel, others gaze upward, suggesting a moment of collective prayer or contemplation. A luminous celestial glow illuminates the group, and a tranquil landscape with resting sheep lies beneath a moonlit sky, evoking themes of divine presence, endurance, and the quiet aftermath of suffering.

Technique & Style

Blake employed fine cross‑hatching to build tonal variation and depth, a hallmark of his printmaking practice. The intricate network of lines creates subtle shadows and a sense of three‑dimensionality without the use of color. Swirling marks above the figures convey movement and spiritual intensity, while the graphite border frames the scene with additional tonal contrast.

History & Provenance

The engraving was produced toward the end of Blake’s life, a period marked by a prolific output of religious and visionary works. It was likely printed in Blake’s own workshop in London, where he oversaw both design and execution. Surviving copies have appeared in several collections of Blake’s prints, confirming its inclusion in the larger Job series.

Context

Blake’s engagement with the Book of Job aligns with Romantic-era preoccupations with individual suffering, divine mystery, and the imagination. By rendering the biblical narrative in a personal, symbolic visual language, he bridges poetic meditation and visual art, offering a contemplative perspective on the ancient text that resonated with contemporary spiritual and artistic currents.