Who painted The Third Temptation?

The Third Temptation was painted by William Blake in 1804.

Where can I see The Third Temptation?

The Third Temptation is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is The Third Temptation?

The Third Temptation is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

The Third Temptation

William Blake , 1804

The Third Temptation is a watercolor work on paper by the Romanticist artist William Blake. It dates from 1804 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The Third Temptation is a watercolour executed by William Blake in 1804. The composition presents a solitary, tall figure perched upon a rock amid a celestial sky, accompanied by two winged entities and a sleeping, cloud‑encircled figure below. The palette is muted yet vivid, and the brushwork is notably fluid, especially in the atmospheric elements.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure, rendered in a simple white robe and a serene expression, appears to be engaged in a spiritual or allegorical encounter, suggested by the presence of the winged beings and the languid sleeper. The work does not reference a specific historical event or individual, instead conveying a narrative through symbolic visual motifs.

Technique & Style

Blake employs loose, expressive brushstrokes that give the sky and clouds a sense of movement, while the figures are delineated with softer, more controlled lines. The watercolour medium allows for delicate washes of blue and pastel tones, creating a dreamlike atmosphere characteristic of early Romantic visual language.

History & Provenance

After its creation, the watercolour entered the collection of Thomas Butts, a close patron of Blake, and subsequently passed to his son, Captain Butts. It later became part of the holdings of W. Graham Robertson before being auctioned at Christie’s on 22 July 1949, where it was listed as lot six in the Graham Robertson sale.

Context

Produced during the later phase of Blake’s career, The Third Temptation reflects his ongoing interest in visionary subjects and mythic storytelling. The work aligns with the broader Romantic movement’s fascination with the sublime, the supernatural, and the exploration of inner experience through imaginative imagery.