The Fall of Satan

The Fall of Satan by William Blake, executed in 1825, is a profound example of the British Romantic artist's late graphic style. Classified as a print, this work was produced using the demanding technique of engraving. This period, spanning from 1801 to 1825, saw Blake deeply immersed in interpreting complex religious and literary narratives, blending visionary intensity with highly detailed craftsmanship characteristic of his prints.

Blake consistently returned to themes of divine revolt, creation, and damnation throughout his career, often drawing inspiration from canonical texts, including Milton’s Paradise Lost. In this dramatic depiction, the arch-rebel Satan is shown in his catastrophic descent from heaven. The composition employs highly expressive figures and dynamic lines to convey the turbulence of the subject matter. As an engraver, Blake utilized sharp, defined lines and dramatic contrasts between light and darkness to emphasize the overwhelming sense of spiritual and physical catastrophe inherent in the myth.

The artist’s unique approach allowed him to imbue traditional iconography with a deep, personal mysticism that solidified his legacy as a major figure of British art. Blake’s ability to communicate the vast scope of eternal conflict through the meticulous medium of the print demonstrates his mastery of the form in the early 19th century. This important work is currently housed within the extensive collection of the National Gallery of Art. Like many of Blake’s original works created during this era, the image is frequently studied and reproduced, ensuring its lasting presence in the public domain.