The Fall of Satan

The Fall of Satan by William Blake, created in 1825, is a masterful example of the artist’s late career output focusing on dramatic theological narratives. Classified as a highly detailed print, the work was executed using the demanding technique of engraving on delicate India paper. This choice of medium, common for high-quality proofs and artist impressions during this era, accentuates the precision and tonal range Blake achieved in his graphic work.

As a central piece of British print culture from the period 1801 to 1825, the composition reflects the intense spiritual and mythical preoccupations of the Romantic era. Blake, a singular voice in British art, renders the catastrophic moment of the archangel’s expulsion from heaven. The piece is characterized by Blake’s distinctive, muscular figures and turbulent energy, illustrating the violence and finality of the banishment. The detailed lines and dramatic contrasts achieved through engraving allow Blake to convey profound theological concepts through purely visual means.

This work serves as crucial documentation of Blake's mature style as an illustrator and poet-artist. The original impression of this historically significant engraving resides in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., contributing to the museum’s comprehensive holdings of prints from the early 19th century. Due to its cultural importance, this British piece is often cited in academic studies of the period, and high-quality prints of the work are sometimes made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring that Blake’s visionary intensity remains accessible to scholars and the general public alike.