The Book of Job: Pl. 20, There were not found Women fair as the Daughters of Job / in all the Land

The Book of Job: Pl. 20, There were not found Women fair as the Daughters of Job / in all the Land is a seminal work of British printmaking created by William Blake in 1825. This powerful composition is the penultimate plate from Blake’s ambitious series of twenty-one engravings illustrating the biblical Book of Job. Executed using the laborious engraving technique, this piece exemplifies the artist’s unique fusion of classical draftsmanship, medieval mysticism, and spiritual narrative.

The imagery here depicts the peaceful resolution of Job’s suffering. After God restores his fortune and health, Job is shown seated beneath an arch, surrounded by his three daughters, who the scripture confirms were unmatched in beauty. Blake frames the scene with meticulous attention to symmetry and flowing line, often integrating biblical passages into the architectural elements surrounding the central figures. The restored family unit symbolizes spiritual completion and the final triumph of faith over tribulation. The precise, visionary quality of the engraving enhances the theological weight of the scene, reflecting Blake’s lifelong commitment to illustrating metaphysical truth through art.

As a late-career masterpiece, this work stands as a cornerstone of British Romantic art produced in the United Kingdom. Blake utilized the high-contrast capabilities of the engraving process to define form and amplify the divine light present in the composition. The entire series of prints proved immensely influential and remains highly regarded today. This particular impression is held in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Given the age and cultural significance of the work, high-quality prints and reproductions of this celebrated series are often available for study and appreciation, as the original artwork is considered part of the public domain.