The Book of Job: Pl. 21, So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job / more than the beginning

The Book of Job: Pl. 21, So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job / more than the beginning, created by William Blake in 1825, is a significant example of 19th-century British printmaking and the culminating image in the artist’s celebrated series of illustrations for the biblical narrative. Executed as a detailed engraving, the work showcases Blake’s mastery of the medium and his unique spiritual interpretation of scripture.

This plate depicts the triumphant resolution of Job’s suffering. Following his trials, Job is shown restored to prosperity, sitting amongst his family and surrounded by the blessings of God, as detailed in the titular excerpt. Blake, an artist deeply rooted in the culture and mythological traditions of the United Kingdom, utilized the engraving format to create complex symbolic designs. He organized the composition not simply as a realistic scene, but as a dense layering of visual and textual elements, incorporating textual excerpts and decorative marginalia that enhance the narrative’s theological weight.

The profound spiritual conviction inherent in this piece cemented Blake’s reputation as a visionary interpreter of divine text. While classified broadly as ‘Other’ art, this engraving belongs to the crucial tradition of interpretive prints that helped disseminate Blake’s powerful imagery. The cultural significance and age of the work ensure that high-quality prints derived from the original plates are frequently made available through public domain resources globally. This essential piece of 19th-century British art is maintained in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.