Behemoth and Leviathan

Behemoth and Leviathan is a powerful engraving created by William Blake between 1825 and 1826. This late work is executed using the demanding technique of line engraving, a specialized printmaking method that allowed the artist to achieve intense detail and dramatic tonal contrasts through meticulously carved lines. Classified as a print, the piece is a key example of Blake's engagement with monumental biblical and mythological subjects during the final phase of his career. The work currently resides in the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The scene depicts the two legendary mythical creatures, Behemoth (the terrestrial beast) and Leviathan (the sea monster), rising from earth and water, symbolizing primal chaos and the immense, uncontrollable forces of nature. Blake renders these gargantuan forms with profound kinetic energy, contrasting the overwhelming power of the monsters with the relatively small scale of the figures of Men and Women observing the divine spectacle from below. Above the churning chaos, celestial beings, including stylized Angels, look on, suggesting the ultimate organization or judgment of these cosmic forces.

Blake’s approach to the subject matter is highly visionary, reflecting his unique interpretation of religious texts and his dedication to mystic symbolism. This print embodies his mastery of the engraving medium, producing intricate line work and powerful devotional iconography that influenced subsequent generations of British artists. As this historical artwork approaches its bicentennial, the intricate details of Blake's composition, housed as part of a major museum collection, become increasingly available for study. High-quality prints derived from this influential artwork are often found within the public domain, further cementing its status as a cornerstone example of early 19th-century British art rooted in poetic mysticism.