Colinet Departs in Sorrow: Riven Trunk at Right, from The Pastorals of Virgil

Colinet Departs in Sorrow: Riven Trunk at Right, from The Pastorals of Virgil by William Blake English, 1757-1827, is a prime example of English Romantic printmaking from the early 19th century. Executed in 1821, this compelling work is a wood engraving printed on off-white wove paper. Blake utilized the demanding technique of wood engraving, cutting the design directly into the end-grain of the block. This allowed for sharp, luminous line work and deep shadows, distinguishing these prints from the soft effects commonly associated with contemporary copperplate etching.

The piece is one of Blake's celebrated illustrations for Robert John Thornton’s edition of The Pastorals of Virgil (specifically, Ambrose Phillips's Imitation of Virgil’s first Eclogue). It visually interprets the sorrowful departure of the shepherd Colinet, a figure of rural lament. The imagery of the "riven trunk" positioned prominently to the right serves as a powerful and characteristic symbol of emotional rupture and natural decay, underscoring the melancholy inherent in the classical pastoral tradition as reinterpreted by the artist.

Though small in scale, these engravings are considered among Blake’s most successful later works, synthesizing classical literary themes with his uniquely visionary artistic language. Created late in his life, this piece reflects a sophisticated mastery of relief print methods. This deeply evocative print showcases the emotional intensity that characterized the period in England. Today, the work is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a historical artwork created in 1821, high-quality images and prints of this major illustration are frequently made available through public domain resources for scholarship and public appreciation.