Satan Before the Throne of God

Satan Before the Throne of God is a powerful visual interpretation created by William Blake in 1825. This piece is executed as a detailed engraving on thick paper, classified within his late career portfolio works. Belonging to the period spanning 1801 to 1825, the print exemplifies the visionary and deeply spiritual nature of British art during the early nineteenth century. Blake frequently drew from seminal theological and literary sources, such as the Book of Job or Milton’s Paradise Lost, to explore themes of divine confrontation, human suffering, and eternal justice.

The selection of engraving as a medium allowed Blake to achieve intense contrasts and intricate linear detail, necessary for depicting the sublime scale of a celestial scene. The composition centers on a dramatic moment of confrontation at the divine seat of power. Satan, often characterized by Blake with a mix of defiance and formidable intelligence, presents himself before the ultimate authority, surrounded by the luminous, ethereal forms of the heavenly host. Blake’s masterful command of line creates sharp shifts in light and shadow, effectively isolating the adversarial figure from the surrounding spiritual architecture.

As a highly influential figure, Blake’s portfolio works are critical documents illustrating his unique visual theology and his commitment to radical interpretation of scripture. This engraving showcases his enduring commitment to exploring epic narratives through meticulous printmaking techniques characteristic of the late Romantic era. The work is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as an important example of the artist’s prolific output. Due to the wide circulation and historical significance of these late British prints, reproductions of this artwork are often available for study and viewing through various public domain resources.