The Book of Job: Pl. 2, When the Almighty was yet with me, When my Children / were about me

The Book of Job: Pl. 2, When the Almighty was yet with me, When my Children / were about me is a masterful engraving created by William Blake in 1825. This piece belongs to Blake's renowned series illustrating the biblical Book of Job, a project deeply reflective of the artist's spiritual and intellectual concerns during the late period of his career. As Plate 2 of the twenty-one-plate series, it captures Job’s initial state of contented prosperity, as referenced in the accompanying text from Job 29:5-6.

Blake employed the meticulous technique of engraving to achieve sharp detail and expressive line work, demonstrating the enduring importance of fine art prints in disseminating visionary art across the United Kingdom and beyond during the 19th century. The composition portrays Job seated centrally beneath an arbor, surrounded by his ten children, symbolizing the blessings of God before the narrative turns to suffering. Blake visually interprets the text, using symmetry and pastoral elements to emphasize the patriarchal harmony of the family.

This particular impression of the print, integral to the entire The Book of Job cycle, is held in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The complete series is considered one of Blake’s crowning artistic achievements, blending traditional biblical iconography with his unique, highly personalized symbolic language. Due to its age and cultural significance, this celebrated example of British printmaking is frequently cited in art historical discussions, and copies of these influential works are sometimes made available through public domain initiatives, allowing broader access to Blake's profound vision.