The Daughter of Men Becomes a Siren

The Daughter of Men Becomes a Siren, created by William Blake between 1824 and 1827, is a refined example of the artist's complex mythological imagery rendered in his distinct late style. Classified as a drawing, this piece is executed utilizing graphite on laid paper, a medium Blake favored for developing intricate narratives and visionary concepts outside of his finished illuminated books or large-scale watercolor commissions.

Reflecting the dominant intellectual and spiritual concerns of the early 19th century, this British work captures a moment of dramatic transformation. The subject explores a theme consistent with Blake’s overarching preoccupation with divine fallibility and the spiritual dangers inherent in worldly temptation, derived from mythological and biblical allusions frequently referenced throughout his extensive body of poetry and visual art. Executed during the period 1801 to 1825, this drawing showcases Blake’s characteristic emphasis on fluid, energetic line work and dynamic, elongated figures, which intentionally departed from the rigid conventions of classical realism in favor of expressive spiritual imagery.

The technical proficiency demonstrated in the use of graphite ensures that the focus remains solely on the psychological tension of the transforming figure. Blake’s meticulous cross-hatching and subtle shading define the contours, lending weight and permanence to an otherwise ethereal subject. This work is an important contribution to the study of the artist’s visionary output and currently resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. As a significant historical artifact, the image is often reproduced, and high-quality prints derived from the public domain source materials allow wider study and appreciation of Blake’s profound visual imagination.