Who painted The Book of Job: Pl. 6, And smote Job with sore Boils?

The Book of Job: Pl. 6, And smote Job with sore Boils was painted by William Blake in 1825.

Where can I see The Book of Job: Pl. 6, And smote Job with sore Boils?

The Book of Job: Pl. 6, And smote Job with sore Boils is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Book of Job: Pl. 6, And smote Job with sore Boils?

The Book of Job: Pl. 6, And smote Job with sore Boils is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

The Book of Job: Pl. 6, And smote Job with sore Boils

William Blake , 1825

The Book of Job: Pl. 6, And smote Job with sore Boils 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 engraving by William Blake is part of a series illustrating the biblical Book of Job. It captures a pivotal moment of Job's suffering, characterized by intense visual and symbolic elements typical of Blake's Romantic-era style.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts Job afflicted with sores from head to toe, a central theme of suffering in the biblical narrative. The composition conveys turmoil and anguish through the contorted, nude figure on the ground and a standing figure with outstretched arms, symbolizing divine judgment or intervention.

Technique & Style

Blake employed bold lines and vivid, expressive forms, hallmarks of his printmaking technique. The dramatic contrast between the twisted, suffering figure and the ominous, distant landscape enhances the emotional intensity of the scene.

History & Provenance

Created in 1825, this engraving is from a late series in Blake's oeuvre, reflecting his mature style and thematic preoccupations. While his work was underappreciated during his lifetime, this piece now represents a key example of his artistic and literary vision.

Context

Part of a broader project to illustrate the Book of Job, this engraving intersects with Blake's literary and prophetic writings, showcasing his holistic artistic approach that blended visual and textual expression.

Legacy

This engraving contributes to Blake's posthumous reputation as a central Romantic figure. Its powerful, symbolically rich depiction of suffering has influenced subsequent artists exploring themes of anguish and redemption.