The Lord Answering Job out of the Whirlwind

The Lord Answering Job out of the Whirlwind by William Blake is a powerful example of the artist’s late graphic work, created in 1825. Classified as part of a Portfolio, this piece is an engraving executed meticulously on thick paper. Blake undertook the creation of these Illustrations of the Book of Job late in his career, translating the profound spiritual struggle of the Old Testament figure into dramatic visual form.

Dating from the 1801 to 1825 period, this particular print embodies the distinctive spiritual and highly stylized approach characteristic of Blake’s British Romanticism. The work depicts the climactic moment from the Book of Job where, following intense suffering and questioning, Job receives a direct, overwhelming revelation from God. The Almighty manifests from a swirling cosmic vortex, symbolizing power and mystery. Blake emphasizes the vast, sublime nature of the divine versus the humility of the mortal figures huddled below.

The technique employed here—showcasing sharp, dynamic line work characteristic of high-quality prints—focuses the viewer's attention on the dramatic interaction between the eternal and the temporal. Blake uses the dense black and white contrast inherent in engraving to intensify the emotional and theological weight of the confrontation, creating a sense of both awe and terror.

Blake's complete series illustrating the Book of Job is considered among his most significant achievements in the graphic arts. This specific impression of The Lord Answering Job out of the Whirlwind resides in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art. As a seminal work from the early 19th century, the cultural and artistic importance of Blake’s vision ensures its ongoing study. While the original is a tangible artifact of British artistic heritage, the widespread influence of the illustrations means that high-resolution reproductions are often available through public domain initiatives.