Artwork
The Book of Job: Pl. 12, I am Young and ye are very Old wherefore I was afraid
The Book of Job: Pl. 12, I am Young and ye are very Old wherefore I was afraid is a work on paper by the Romanticist artist William Blake. It dates from 1825 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1825 print is part of William Blake's series illustrating the biblical Book of Job. It is one of 21 illustrations created by the English poet, painter, and printmaker.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a nighttime scene with four men under a starry sky, one standing and pointing upwards. The image is accompanied by text from the Book of Job, which informs its interpretation.
Technique & Style
Blake employed bold lines and shading to create a dramatic effect in the dark setting. The scene is framed by swirling text and small figures, characteristic of his imaginative composition and use of symbolic imagery.
Artist & collection
Artist
William Blake (28 November 1757 – 12 August 1827) was an English poet, painter and printmaker.
The Book of Job: Pl. 8, Let the Day perish wherein I was Born
The Book of Job: Pl. 4, And I only am escaped alone to tell thee
The Book of Job: Pl. 17, I have heard thee with the hearing of the Ear but now my Eye seeth thee
The Book of Job: Pl. 10, The just upright man is laughted to scorn
The Book of Job: Pl. 20, There were not found Women fair as the Daughters of Job
Job's Despair
The Book of Job: No. 8, Let the Day perish wherin I was born
The Book of Job: Pl. 18, And my Servant Job shall pray for you
The Book of Job: Pl. 21, So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job
The Book of Job: Pl. 9, Then a Spirit passed before my face
Job's Despair
The Book of Job: Pl. 11, With Dreams upon my bed thou scarest me and affrightest me