The Fall of Satan

The Fall of Satan by William Blake, created between 1825 and 1826, is a powerful example of the artist's late-career engagement with epic religious themes. Executed as a copperplate engraving, this highly detailed print captures a defining moment of biblical mythology. Blake, known for his unique interpretation of spirituality and dense visual symbolism, often favored the medium of prints, which allowed for the intricate detailing characteristic of his complex visions. This significant work is held in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The scene depicts the catastrophic expulsion of the rebellious archangel, referred to here as Satan or the Devil, from the heavenly sphere. A maelstrom of figures dominates the composition as the fallen body descends. Blake masterfully utilizes the sharp, defined lines inherent to the engraving technique to render the muscular, contorted forms of the central figure and the surrounding celestial beings. The dynamic action emphasizes the chaos of descent and the immensity of divine judgment. The composition includes powerful Angels who remain faithful, while the subjects of Men and Women sometimes appear in Blake’s expansive cosmologies, symbolizing humanity's proximity to this eternal, mythological conflict.

This piece belongs to the period when Blake was completing some of his most profound illustrated projects, demonstrating his mastery of blending theological narrative and radical artistic expression. As an important example of 19th-century British prints, the work reflects the Romantic era's preoccupation with the sublime and the struggle between good and evil. Due to its historical significance and age, high-quality images of this masterpiece are often made available through public domain initiatives, allowing scholars and enthusiasts globally to study the complexity of Blake’s dramatic linework.