Satan Going Forth fron the Presence of the Lord

The powerful image, Satan Going Forth fron the Presence of the Lord, was created by William Blake between 1825 and 1826. This highly detailed engraving demonstrates Blake’s masterful command of the print medium late in his life. The work forms part of his renowned series illustrating the biblical Book of Job, which he completed for his patron, John Linnell. This piece is significant because it encapsulates Blake's unique fusion of mystical vision and neoclassical draftsmanship within the historical context of British Romanticism.

The narrative depicts the moment Satan receives permission from the Lord to test the righteous Job. Blake portrays the Almighty surrounded by a host of Angels, symbolizing divine order and the celestial realm, while Satan descends towards the earthly sphere. The composition utilizes stark light and shadow, characteristic of high-quality prints, emphasizing the dramatic tension of the cosmic conflict. The immediate subject matter involves these ethereal figures, but the ultimate suffering impacts innocent Men and the accompanying Animals that populate Job's world, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of the wager.

This dramatic print is held within the esteemed collection of prints and drawings at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The work reinforces Blake’s reputation as one of the most distinctive visionaries in the history of British art, known for his ability to translate profound spiritual concepts into visual form. As the original copper plates for this series are now considered part of the public domain, Blake’s influential interpretations of scripture continue to be studied and reproduced globally.