The Ghost of Samuel Appearing to Saul

"The Ghost of Samuel Appearing to Saul" by William Blake, created in 1800, captures one of the most dramatic and unsettling episodes in the Old Testament. The piece illustrates the moment when King Saul, rejected by God and desperate for guidance, compels the Witch of Endor to conjure the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 28:7-19). Classified as a drawing, this work was meticulously executed using pen and ink with watercolor over an initial graphite sketch, a method Blake frequently employed to combine the expressive precision of linear design with the atmospheric quality of painting.

The composition reveals Blake’s mastery of dramatic tension. The spectral figure of Samuel rises from the earth, rendered in pale, translucent washes of watercolor that convey his ephemeral nature. This contrasts sharply with the massive, burdened figure of King Saul, who lies prostrate in despair, and the mysterious, powerful form of the Witch of Endor, shrouded in deep shadow. The inherent emotional and theological intensity of the biblical narrative is amplified by Blake’s unique, visionary approach to figure representation.

This drawing is highly characteristic of the artist's output during the period spanning 1776 to 1800, aligning him with the fervent spiritual and intellectual currents of the British Romantic movement. Blake consistently utilized his art to visualize deeply personal interpretations of religious iconography, emphasizing line and form over classical academic conventions. The work, recognized for its historical and artistic significance, currently resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. As a major work on paper from the late 18th century, The Ghost of Samuel Appearing to Saul provides crucial insight into the artist’s idiosyncratic genius. Furthermore, due to the age of the artist and the drawing, high-resolution images are often featured within public domain art collections, ensuring its accessibility for study and appreciation worldwide.