Nude Figure Reaching Down Between Rocks

Nude Figure Reaching Down Between Rocks, attributed to William Blake (English, 1757-1827) or a follower, is a powerful graphite drawing executed between 1795 and 1805. The work is rendered on cream laid paper, a material characteristic of the period, and has been subsequently tipped onto a secondary sheet for preservation. The subject depicts a muscular, nude human form situated precariously amidst craggy, oppressive rocks. The figure leans dramatically downward, their arm extending deeply into a chasm or void, capturing a moment of intense struggle or physical exertion.

The classification of this piece as a drawing emphasizes the immediacy and linear dynamism often associated with Blake’s mythological and highly personal visual narratives. This depiction reflects the deep interest in bodily tension and heightened emotional states typical of early Romanticism in England. Though the precise identity of the draughtsman remains uncertain-either the master Blake himself or a talented member of his artistic circle-the style aligns closely with the highly symbolic, visionary aesthetic employed by the artist. Blake frequently explored themes of human limitation, fall, and primal existence in his work.

The mastery of graphite allows for sharp outlines and subtle gradations of shading, defining the anatomy and the dramatic light-and-shadow interplay on the rocky landscape. This compelling image from the Romantic period is preserved in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Reflecting its historical importance, this work and related prints from the artist's oeuvre are often digitized and made available through public domain initiatives, allowing worldwide access to this key aspect of English drawing tradition.