Satan Smiting Job with Boils

Art Historical Context

William Blake's *Satan Smiting Job with Boils* (1825) is a powerful engraving from his monumental series of 21 illustrations for the Book of Job, drawn from the Old Testament. The scene captures a pivotal moment of suffering: the righteous Job, afflicted by divine trial, is tormented by Satan who hurls boils upon him, symbolizing profound spiritual and physical torment. Created late in Blake's life, this work reflects his lifelong fascination with biblical narratives, blending human anguish with cosmic drama in a visionary style emblematic of British Romanticism. Printed on thick laid paper using Blake's innovative technique of relief etching—where he combined drawing, writing, and engraving into a single process—this piece showcases his mastery of intricate line work. The dynamic composition, with swirling forms and expressive figures, conveys intense emotion and otherworldly energy, distinguishing Blake from his contemporaries. Unlike traditional book illustrations, Blake's engravings were designed as standalone artworks, merging poetry, prophecy, and visual art. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's Rosenwald Collection (Department CG-E, Portfolio classification), this engraving highlights Blake's enduring influence as a printmaker and mystic. It invites visitors to ponder themes of faith, adversity, and redemption, reminding us of the artist's radical vision that challenged 19th-century conventions.

About the Artist

William Blake · 1757–1827

William Blake (1757–1827) stands as one of the most visionary and unconventional artists in British history, a poet-painter-printmaker whose mystical imagination and radical vision profoundly shaped the Romantic movement. Born in London's Soho district, Blake experienced visions from childhood—claiming to see angels in trees at age eight—and these spiritual encounters would guide his art throughou...