Artwork
The Great Red Dragon and the Woman Clothed with the Sun
The Great Red Dragon and the Woman Clothed with the Sun is a watercolor drawing by the Romanticist artist William Blake. It dates from 1805 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1805, *The Great Red Dragon and the Woman Clothed with the Sun* is a drawing by William Blake, executed in pen, gray ink, watercolor, and graphite. This work showcases Blake's unique blend of religious symbolism and imaginative vision.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing illustrates a biblical scene from the Apocalypse, featuring the Woman Clothed with the Sun standing on the moon, confronted by a menacing red dragon, emblematic of evil. The woman, a symbol of divine virtue, is depicted in a defensive yet powerful pose, highlighting the eternal conflict between good and evil.
Technique & Style
Blake's distinctive style is evident in the expressive lines of pen and gray ink, enhanced by watercolor and underpinned by graphite. The dramatic contrast between the vibrant red dragon and the serene, moon-treading woman exemplifies his Romantic-era visionary approach.
History & Provenance
While specific early ownership details of *The Great Red Dragon* are not provided, the work is part of Blake's later body of art, created during a period of increased focus on prophetic themes. Blake's work, largely overlooked in his lifetime, has since become integral to understanding Romantic-era artistic and literary innovation.
Context
Produced in London (with the exception of a brief period in Felpham), this drawing reflects Blake's consistent exploration of visionary and prophetic subjects, aligning with the broader themes of the Romantic Age in England.
Legacy
Despite initial lack of recognition, *The Great Red Dragon* now stands as a seminal example of Blake's contribution to Romantic art, influencing subsequent generations with its powerful symbolism and expressive technique.
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Artist & collection
Artist
William Blake (28 November 1757 – 12 August 1827) was an English poet, painter and printmaker.
