Group of Men Seated in a Circle [recto]

The drawing, Group of Men Seated in a Circle [recto] by William Blake, created between 1780 and 1785, is a significant example of the artist’s early exploratory work and foundational technical mastery. Classified as a drawing, the piece was executed using a precise application of pen and black ink and wash, layered carefully over a preliminary sketch rendered in black chalk on laid paper. This combination of media was characteristic of preparatory studies favored by British artists during the late eighteenth century, demonstrating Blake’s engagement with established drawing practices even as his unique stylistic tendencies began to emerge.

The subject depicts an assembly of figures, perhaps senators or philosophers, gathered in a tight circular formation. The composition focuses intently on interaction and gesture, suggesting deliberation or deep concentration among the seated men. Blake utilizes the delicate application of the wash to model form, defining volume and texture through subtle tonal shifts, effectively capturing the interplay of light and shadow without relying on heavy cross-hatching. The visible underlying black chalk provides foundational guidance for the structure of the bodies, while the subsequent ink outlines solidify the dramatic, enclosed space.

As a foundational work created between 1776 to 1800, this piece offers crucial insight into the early development of Blake, who would later become renowned for his visionary engravings and relief prints. Though often associated with his complex mythology, the drawing confirms his proficiency as a draughtsman dedicated to figure study. Originating within the British cultural sphere, this work resides today in the esteemed permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to its historical importance and institutional status, reproductions of this drawing, along with high-quality prints, are frequently made available to scholars and the public through public domain initiatives.