Artwork

Satan Before the Throne of God

Satan Before the Throne of God, by William Blake, ink, 1825
Satan Before the Throne of God, by William Blake, ink, 1825

Satan Before the Throne of God is an ink 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

Satan Before the Throne of God is an engraving on vellum created by William Blake in 1825. It is a black-and-white print that showcases Blake's distinctive visual style and technique.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts a dramatic scene with a central figure, possibly Satan, surrounded by a crowd in a chaotic sky. Biblical quotes around the edges tie the scene to a religious narrative, suggesting a symbolic or imaginative interpretation.

Technique & Style

The print is characterized by sharp, detailed lines and shading that create a sense of movement and tension. Blake used engraving, a technique involving etching lines into metal plates, to produce the image on vellum.

Context

Blake was an English poet, painter, and printmaker associated with the Romantic era. His work often explored symbolic and imaginative themes, and this engraving reflects his broader artistic concerns.

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.