The Descent of Man into the Vale of Death, from "The Grave," a Poem by Robert Blair

The Descent of Man into the Vale of Death, from "The Grave," a Poem by Robert Blair, is a striking engraving executed by William Blake in 1813. This work represents one of Blake’s illustrations commissioned for a deluxe edition of the popular 18th-century Scottish poem, The Grave, by Robert Blair. Blake translated his deeply spiritual and imaginative designs into the medium of engraving, allowing for the widespread distribution of fine art prints that solidified his reputation as a unique Romantic visionary.

The composition visually manifests the central theme of universal mortality. Blake depicts a solemn procession moving downward into a dark, shadowed aperture representing the grave. The design emphasizes the inevitability of death by including a diverse cross-section of humanity. Grieving figures, including elderly Men, mourning Women, and innocent Children, are shown in various stages of descent, illustrating that no life stage is exempt from this journey. This approach reflects the Romantic era’s fascination with the sublime aspects of human existence and the certainty of demise.

Classification as a print, this specific example of Blake’s visionary graphic work is held in the distinguished collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As a major work from a foundational figure of British Romanticism, the illustration The Descent of Man into the Vale of Death remains highly influential. Due to its historical significance and age, Blake's profound prints are often available in the public domain, ensuring widespread study and appreciation of his complex visual language.