'The Man Sweeping the Interpreter's Parlour,' from Bunyan's Pilgrim's progress

'The Man Sweeping the Interpreter's Parlour,' from Bunyan's Pilgrim's progress, is a powerful illustration created by William Blake English, 1757-1827, between 1820 and 1822. This seminal work is classified as a print, utilizing the specialized technique of relief etching combined with white line engraving executed on ivory wove paper.

Blake’s late career was significantly devoted to commissions illustrating major English literary texts, and this piece forms part of his profound visual engagement with John Bunyan’s influential religious allegory. The specific scene depicted occurs in the Interpreter's house, where the pilgrim, Christian, observes a man vigorously sweeping a parlor, stirring up immense dust. This visual event is central to the theological instruction in the original work in England, symbolizing the futility of human effort and self-justification before the necessary cleansing intervention of grace.

The graphic starkness and spiritual energy characteristic of Blake's late style are evident in this relief etching. The contrast established by the white line engraving technique emphasizes the figure’s movement and the cloud of dust surrounding him, underscoring the spiritual chaos of the scene. Blake’s interpretation of Bunyan’s text transcends simple illustration; he uses the medium to deepen the allegorical meaning, focusing intently on the struggles inherent in Christian mythology. As one of Blake's late prints, this work demonstrates his sustained mastery of the medium. This exceptional piece is part of the distinguished permanent collection of prints held by the Art Institute of Chicago.