The Accusers of Theft, Adultery, Murder (War)

The Accusers of Theft, Adultery, Murder (War) by William Blake is a singular and powerful expression of moral allegory, executed between 1794 and 1796. This artwork is classified as a print, specifically utilizing the challenging and highly expressive medium of color-printed etching. Unlike traditional printing methods, the color-printed etching technique involves applying colors directly to the plate’s surface, resulting in unique textural effects and variations in color saturation that differ subtly across each individual impression.

As a significant example of British art from the period of 1776 to 1800, this piece reflects Blake’s deeply personal spiritual and critical engagement with the societal ills of his era. The subject matter outlined in the title-identifying specific transgressions such as theft, adultery, and murder-is presented as the root cause of large-scale destruction and conflict, symbolized by "War." Blake’s distinct visual language employs dramatically contorted, muscular figures and intense, often apocalyptic settings to convey the agony and spiritual corruption inherent in these sins. The composition is typical of the artist’s mature visionary style, which transcended the prevailing Neoclassical tastes of the time, placing him at the forefront of the Romantic movement in Europe.

Blake’s commitment to self-publishing and his inventive approach to integrating image and text define his work within the history of prints. The Accusers of Theft, Adultery, Murder (War) functions as a profound critique of institutionalized morality and the devastating consequences of human folly. This key example of the artist's output is held within the distinguished collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a testament to Blake’s mastery of the graphic arts. High-quality images of this masterpiece are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring continued access to the work of this singular British artist.