Job and His Daughters

Job and His Daughters by William Blake, created around 1799-1800, is a profound visual interpretation of the Biblical narrative that exemplifies the artist’s unique approach to sacred iconography. This British work, executed using pen and tempera on canvas, is characteristic of the visionary and symbolic art produced during the crucial transition period spanning 1776 to 1800.

Blake frequently returned to the Book of Job throughout his career, often using the patriarch’s story to explore themes of suffering, divine justice, and ultimate reconciliation. In this specific piece, Job is depicted in the later stages of the narrative, restored to prosperity and surrounded by his three daughters. The composition emphasizes emotional serenity and spiritual illumination rather than dramatic action.

The technique employed here is distinct. Unlike the heavy oils favored by many contemporaries, Blake chose tempera, a fast-drying, matte medium that he applied over the initial pen drawing. This choice results in a luminous but flat surface that recalls the clarity of illuminated manuscripts, emphasizing the strong outlines and the linear quality of Blake’s design. The deliberate stylized arrangement of figures and the spiritual glow inherent in the tempera technique are hallmarks of Blake’s aesthetic, prioritizing visionary truth over naturalistic representation.

This highly influential painting is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. The enduring significance of this subject matter ensures its ongoing study. While the original tempera piece remains secured in the museum, the work, like many major artworks created during the late 1700s, often resides in the public domain, allowing for the widespread dissemination of high-quality fine art prints for educational and scholarly purposes.