Joseph of Arimathea Preaching to the Britons

Joseph of Arimathea Preaching to the Britons is a profound print created by the visionary artist William Blake between 1794 and 1796. This striking work showcases Blake's innovative approach to printmaking during the years 1776 to 1800. Classified as a relief etching, the piece was meticulously color-printed and uniquely finished with hand-applied pen and watercolor additions, effectively blurring the lines between graphic art and individualized illumination. This complex, mixed-media technique resulted in highly customized impressions, distinguishing Blake's artistic output from conventional mass-produced prints of the period.

The subject matter draws on medieval Christian legends asserting that Joseph of Arimathea, following the resurrection of Christ, established the foundations of Christianity in the British Isles, often associated with Glastonbury. This narrative was particularly resonant within British culture in the late 18th century, feeding into Romantic and nationalist interests in Britain’s spiritual origins and prophetic history. Blake, consistently concerned with myth and spiritual truth, depicts Joseph addressing a group of receptive Britons, symbolizing the nascent spiritual enlightenment of the nation.

The dynamic, flowing forms and intense coloration characteristic of Blake’s signature style reflect his profound commitment to conveying spiritual and poetic truths rather than adhering strictly to traditional academic representation. Although cataloged as a print, the extensive hand-coloring ensured that each impression was fundamentally an original work of art. This important British piece currently resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. As with many significant works from this period, high-quality images and details of the work are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring continued scholarship and accessibility to Blake's unique interpretation of history and prophecy.