Behemoth and Leviathan

"Behemoth and Leviathan" by William Blake, created in 1825, is a powerful example of the artist's late-career graphic work and his enduring engagement with Biblical scripture. This significant British masterwork, executed as an intricate engraving on fine India paper, depicts the massive, apocalyptic beasts described in the Book of Job, chapters 40 and 41.

The piece falls squarely within the artistic period of 1801 to 1825, a time when Blake, operating outside the mainstream academy, was producing some of his most profound illustrative cycles. Rather than relying on line alone, Blake’s technique here uses deep, dense cross-hatching to build formidable forms and dark, intense atmospheres, emphasizing the terror and scale of the mythical creatures. Behemoth, the mighty land beast, is often seen as representing the physical limits of creation, juxtaposed against Leviathan, the terrifying sea serpent, symbolizing the untamable chaos and the sublime power of the Divine.

As one of Blake’s final major prints, this work demonstrates his sustained dedication to visionary narrative throughout the late Romantic era. Blake’s highly personal iconography and powerful delineation of spiritual struggle established him as a singular figure in British art. The enduring classification of the work as a print allowed for the creation of multiple impressions, which helped cement Blake's reputation even after his death.

The highly detailed engraving Behemoth and Leviathan resides in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to its age and historical importance, and fitting within the period of 1801 to 1825, high-resolution images of this piece, like many of Blake’s published works, are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring widespread access to his unique and powerful interpretations of scripture.