Job and His Daughters is an engraving created by William Blake in 1825. This highly influential work is the concluding plate from his seminal series, Illustrations of the Book of Job, an ambitious portfolio project that is widely considered the culmination of Blake’s career in printmaking. Executed in the demanding medium of engraving on thin paper, the piece showcases Blake’s unique mastery of line, light, and detailed composition achieved in the final years of his life. The final image depicts the biblical patriarch Job seated with his wife and surrounded by his three daughters-Eliabeth, Keziah, and Keren-Happuch-following the restoration of his fortunes and health. This important piece of British print culture resides today in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
Produced during the period spanning 1801 to 1825, this work exemplifies the distinctive, visionary style that made Blake a towering figure in British Romanticism. Blake consistently drew upon biblical and mythological sources, transforming traditional narratives through his deeply spiritual and imaginative lens. The composition achieves an intense symmetry and tranquility, contrasting sharply with the terrifying visions of chaos found earlier in the Job series. Here, Blake emphasizes themes of artistic creation and divine grace; Job recounts his trials and blessings, often shown referencing instruments of music or poetry, signifying the spiritual and creative triumph over suffering.
The entire series dedicated to Job became an essential benchmark in 19th-century graphic art, cementing Blake’s legacy. Though originally commissioned as a commercial venture, the spiritual and artistic depth of the resulting portfolio transcends simple illustration. As Job and His Daughters is frequently cited among the most complex and emotionally moving prints created by Blake, the accessibility of high-quality reproductions and prints has ensured its widespread recognition. As this significant work from the early 19th century has often entered the public domain, it remains globally appreciated for its profound artistry and intellectual scope.
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