The Book of Job: Pl. 4, and I only am escaped alone to tell thee

The Book of Job: Pl. 4, and I only am escaped alone to tell thee is a profound engraving created by William Blake in 1825. This work is part of Blake's celebrated series of 21 illustrations interpreting the biblical Book of Job, generally considered the culmination of his graphic art career. As a highly influential printmaker working in the United Kingdom during the late Romantic period, Blake employed the demanding technique of engraving on copper plates to achieve the crisp, detailed lines that define his distinctive visionary style.

Plate 4 illustrates the precise moment Job receives the news of his ruin, echoing the messenger’s desperate phrase, "I only am escaped alone to tell thee." Blake, known for merging text and image with intense symbolic fervor, used this series not merely to illustrate scripture, but to explore themes of spiritual suffering, redemption, and the limitations of human perception. Executed late in the artist’s life, this piece showcases Blake’s mature handling of composition, contrasting stark black lines against areas of brilliant white space, characteristic of his deeply personal engagement with mythological and religious narratives.

Although originally produced in limited editions, the enduring influence of Blake’s interpretive vision means that prints from this iconic series, including the solemn depiction found in The Book of Job: Pl. 4, have been widely studied. The original impression resides within the esteemed collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, preserving a key example of British printmaking from the early 19th century. Due to its age and historical importance, reproductions of this artwork are frequently found in the public domain, making Blake’s influential religious prints accessible globally.