The Lord Answering Job out of the Whirlwind

The Lord Answering Job out of the Whirlwind by William Blake is one of the definitive works created late in the artist's life, completed around 1825. This powerful composition, executed as an engraving on thick paper, is a cornerstone of Blake's famed illustrated series detailing the biblical Book of Job. As a key figure in British Romanticism, Blake used this series to explore profound theological and philosophical themes concerning suffering, divine justice, and ultimate spiritual redemption.

The piece depicts the dramatic climax of the narrative, where the Lord confronts Job directly, emerging majestically from a turbulent whirlwind. Blake renders the figures with characteristic musculature and linear clarity, typical of his unique approach to printmaking developed during the early 19th century. Although created during the period 1801 to 1825, the work retains an archaic, monumental quality reminiscent of classical and late-medieval sources. The intense energy of the storm contrasts sharply with the humbled, kneeling figures of Job and his wife, emphasizing the vast difference between the mortal and the divine.

The entire Job series, often compiled as a Portfolio, demonstrates Blake’s technical mastery of the copperplate engraving technique during his final productive years. These prints are among the most recognized biblical illustrations of the era and have been highly influential for subsequent generations of artists and writers. The precision and dramatic quality of this specific engraving ensured its lasting popularity. This significant British artwork is housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a prime example of Blake's singular spiritual vision and technical excellence. Due to its historical significance and age, high-quality images of this work are often available for study through public domain art initiatives.