Saint Augustine Converting King Ethelbert of Kent

The historical drawing Saint Augustine Converting King Ethelbert of Kent was created by William Blake in 1793. This significant British work, executed entirely in graphite on laid paper, exemplifies Blake's early explorations into historical and religious subject matter during the period spanning 1776 to 1800. Classified simply as a drawing, the piece captures a pivotal moment in the Christianization of England, depicting the arrival of Saint Augustine and the subsequent conversion of the pagan King Ethelbert of Kent in the late 6th century.

Blake often turned to seminal historical scenes for inspiration, interpreting classical and biblical events through his distinctive, visionary lens. While this particular work is rendered purely in graphite, the dramatic composition and careful arrangement of figures suggest it may have served as a preparatory study for a potential engraving or a larger, more finished painting. The detailed execution inherent in this drawing showcases the artist's masterful control of line and shading, techniques crucial to the production of the illustrated books and prints for which Blake became renowned. This piece is characteristic of late eighteenth-century British artistic sensibilities, bridging precise Neoclassical draftsmanship with nascent Romantic intensity.

As a vital historical document from this important artistic era, the drawing resides in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art. Because of its age and cultural significance, the image is now frequently available for educational and scholarly use; high-quality prints derived from this original work are often shared through public domain initiatives, allowing broader access to Blake’s unique interpretation of early ecclesiastical history. This profound drawing remains a critical example of Blake’s sustained engagement with historical narrative and his technical skill as a draftsman toward the close of the century.