Restrike from fragment of cancelled plate for "A Prophecy"

Restrike from fragment of cancelled plate for "A Prophecy" by William Blake is a critical 1793 print documenting the complex production methods of the visionary British artist. Classified as a relief etching, this work provides a tangible connection to Blake’s early experiments with illuminated printing, a highly individualized technique he developed to publish his combined poetry and imagery. This specific impression is unusual as a restrike, meaning it was pulled from a plate long after its original usage. The medium further specifies the unconventional printing method employed: the "effect of inking with an ordinary gelatin roller," which likely emphasized the surface texture of the etched copper.

Blake created this work during the period of 1776 to 1800, a tumultuous era that saw the rise of Romanticism and significant political shifts within British culture. The original series, A Prophecy, reflected Blake’s deep engagement with mythology, revolution, and religious reform. His utilization of the cancelled plate underscores the controlled nature of his print production; plates were intentionally damaged or retired to limit the number of impressions, thus maintaining the perceived rarity of his works.

The existence of a restrike fragment offers curators and historians insight into the material life of Blake’s printing matrix. It allows for detailed study of his relief etching technique, where the areas to be printed stand up in relief—unlike traditional intaglio. This rare print is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. As a significant document of Romantic-era prints, the work contributes substantially to the understanding of Blake's development, providing evidence of the meticulous processes behind his profound artistic legacy. Such foundational works from canonical artists are often made accessible to the global community through the public domain.