Artwork

Joseph of Arimathea Preaching to the Britons

Joseph of Arimathea Preaching to the Britons, by William Blake, watercolor, 1795
Joseph of Arimathea Preaching to the Britons, by William Blake, watercolor, 1795

Joseph of Arimathea Preaching to the Britons is a watercolor print by the Romanticist artist William Blake. It dates from 1795 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Joseph of Arimathea Preaching to the Britons is a print created by William Blake around 1795, combining relief etching, color printing, and watercolor. It exemplifies Blake's innovative approach to art, merging text and image in a single process.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a scene where Joseph of Arimathea is likely preaching to a group of Britons, dressed in flowing robes. The composition draws on biblical themes, characteristic of Blake's later work, which often explored imaginative and symbolic subjects.

Technique & Style

Blake employed relief etching and color printing to create the image, adding texture and depth. The style blends realistic representation with mystical elements, reflecting the Romantic-era emphasis on emotion and imagination. Watercolor additions enhance the overall visual effect.

History & Provenance

Created in London, the print is representative of Blake's work during his later period. Although Blake was not widely recognized during his lifetime, he later became a central figure in Romantic-era art and literature.

Artist & collection

Portrait of William Blake

Artist

William Blake

William Blake (28 November 1757 – 12 August 1827) was an English poet, painter and printmaker.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.