Every Man Also Gave Him a Piece of Money

Every Man Also Gave Him a Piece of Money by William Blake is a powerful example of the artist's final period, executed as a delicate engraving on thin paper in 1825. This piece, classified within a larger portfolio, demonstrates Blake’s masterful command of the printmaking process during the final years of his life. The meticulous use of line work, characteristic of his unique graphic technique, creates deep contrasts and intricate textures across the composition.

As a highly distinctive figure in British Romanticism, Blake often utilized engraving and relief etching to render complex spiritual, biblical, and mythological narratives. This specific work reflects the visual and thematic intensity central to his oeuvre, embodying the moral weight and visionary aesthetic that defined his career. The execution date places this print squarely within the critical period of 1801 to 1825, during which Blake created some of his most profound and technically accomplished series of illustrative prints. Although the primary subject matter depicted in Every Man Also Gave Him a Piece of Money emphasizes a moment of spiritual generosity or financial consequence, the overall rendering is infused with the symbolic weight characteristic of Blake’s mature style.

The fine detail and handling of the human figure are hallmarks of the sophisticated graphic art produced by British masters of this era. Blake’s dedication to producing high-quality prints ensured the wide circulation and enduring influence of his visual theology. This specific impression resides in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, providing crucial insight into the artistic practices and print output of the 1820s. As many of Blake’s illustrations are considered cornerstone examples of the period, images of this work are often available through the NGA’s robust public domain resources.