The Book of Job: Pl. 1, Thus did Job continually

The Book of Job: Pl. 1, Thus did Job continually by William Blake, executed in 1825, is the inaugural plate in the artist's celebrated series illustrating the biblical narrative. This demanding work was created using the technique of engraving, allowing Blake to achieve intricate detail and clarity in his line work, characteristics that distinguish his late-career printmaking. The composition immediately establishes the central character, Job, surrounded by his thriving family, demonstrating the piety and prosperity described in the opening chapter of the Old Testament book.

As a central figure in the artistic landscape of the United Kingdom, Blake infused his work with visionary spiritualism and complex mythological references. While the engraving cycle concerns universal themes of faith, suffering, and divine justice, Plate 1 specifically focuses on domestic bliss and unquestioning devotion, setting the stage for the tremendous trials Job is about to endure. Blake’s illustrations, combining technical mastery with profound interpretive depth, are considered among the finest visual commentaries on scripture ever produced.

The influential cycle, comprising twenty-one distinct plates, gained significant recognition for its emotional power and innovative designs. Though originally circulated in small editions, the enduring cultural importance of the series ensures that high-quality prints and copies of these masterful engravings are frequently found within public domain resources today. This specific impression resides in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, preserving a key example of Blake's mature artistic style and his lasting impact on the history of prints.