The Book of Job: Pl. 13, Then the Lord answered Job out of the Whirlwind

The Book of Job: Pl. 13, Then the Lord answered Job out of the Whirlwind is a profound engraving created by William Blake in 1825. This print is part of Blake’s celebrated series illustrating the biblical Book of Job, a project he executed in the later years of his career, translating his earlier designs into a definitive etched format. As a masterwork of British Romantic art from the United Kingdom, the series encapsulates Blake’s unique spiritual vision and his mastery of graphic technique.

In this specific plate, Blake focuses on the climax of the narrative, when Job, having suffered immense trials, is finally addressed by God. The divine presence is not anthropomorphized but appears as an overwhelming force manifesting within the cosmic tempest, often referred to as the whirlwind. The artist utilizes dramatic contrast between the intensely dark, swirling clouds of the storm and the bursts of supernatural light illuminating the humbled figures of Job and his wife below. This powerful duality emphasizes the disparity between mortal man and the infinite power of the divine.

Blake’s use of the engraving medium allows for precise line work and rich textural variation, which enhance the sense of awe and terror inherent in the scene. The success of this series cemented Blake's reputation as one of the era’s most insightful biblical interpreters. Classified formally as a print, the work is a vital example of early 19th-century British printmaking. While the original resides in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, its cultural importance ensures that high-quality prints and reproductions are often made available through public domain collections worldwide.