The Book of Job: Pl. 3, Thy Sons and thy Daughters were eating and drinking Wine in their / eldest Brothers house

The engraving The Book of Job: Pl. 3, Thy Sons and thy Daughters were eating and drinking Wine in their / eldest Brothers house was created by William Blake in 1825. This highly detailed print, executed using the demanding technique of line engraving, forms the third plate in Blake’s masterful interpretation of the biblical Book of Job. The scene captures Job’s ten children indulging in a joyful banquet, depicting them seated around a table beneath an ornate arch. This moment of earthly celebration and contentment is poignant, as the reader knows the impending catastrophe that will shortly claim their lives, establishing the dramatic tension central to the narrative.

Blake’s visionary approach to the sacred text is evident in the dynamic composition and the intricate line work characteristic of this print series. Utilizing his skill in engraving, Blake achieved sharp contrasts and fine detail, allowing him to convey both the temporary happiness of the children and the underlying spiritual forces surrounding the figures. Blake created this profound religious and artistic project late in his life, synthesizing his unique mythological understanding with traditional scripture.

As one of the most celebrated print series of the early 19th century, Blake’s illustrations profoundly influenced subsequent artistic interpretations of the ancient story. This impression of The Book of Job: Pl. 3 is held in the comprehensive collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, representing a key example of historical prints from the United Kingdom. The work's status as an important contribution from the Romantic period ensures its continued relevance for scholars studying both printmaking and visionary art today.