Who painted The Accusers of Theft, Adultery, Murder (War)?

The Accusers of Theft, Adultery, Murder (War) was painted by William Blake in 1795.

Where can I see The Accusers of Theft, Adultery, Murder (War)?

The Accusers of Theft, Adultery, Murder (War) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Accusers of Theft, Adultery, Murder (War)?

The Accusers of Theft, Adultery, Murder (War) is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

The Accusers of Theft, Adultery, Murder (War)

William Blake , 1795

The Accusers of Theft, Adultery, Murder (War) is an ink 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

Created around 1795, this color-printed etching by William Blake presents a compact, dramatic scene that resembles a history painting. Three male figures dominate the composition, each clutching a spear and displaying expressions that blend alarm, rage, and dread. The background is a deep red field, intensifying the overall sense of conflict.

Subject & Meaning

The three men appear to embody accusations of theft, adultery, murder, and war, as indicated by the title. Their contorted faces and the central figure’s hand pressed to his head suggest inner turmoil and the psychological weight of being judged for grave offenses. The work visualizes moral and societal condemnation within a turbulent atmosphere.

Technique & Style

Blake employed his characteristic method of relief etching combined with hand-applied color, producing a vivid, layered surface. The use of bold primary hues—yellow, black, blue for the figures against a scarlet backdrop—reflects the Romantic emphasis on emotional intensity and symbolic coloration.

History & Provenance

The etching originates from Blake’s productive London period, when he was simultaneously developing his poetry and visual art. Though not widely circulated in his lifetime, it forms part of his broader oeuvre that later secured his reputation as a central figure of the Romantic movement.

Context

Blake’s work often merged literary and visual imagination, using allegorical scenes to critique contemporary moral and political issues. This piece aligns with his interest in portraying the consequences of human vice and the chaos of war, themes prevalent in late‑18th‑century Romantic discourse.