The Pastorals of Virgil

The Pastorals of Virgil by William Blake, executed in 1821, represents the artist's engagement with classical literature through the demanding medium of wood engraving. This piece, consisting of four proofs presented on a single uncut sheet, showcases Blake's distinctive approach to illustration during the Romantic period (1801 to 1825). Though known primarily for his copperplate etchings and illuminated books, Blake embraced wood engraving late in his career, producing these works as illustrations for Robert John Thornton's 1821 edition of Virgil’s Eclogues.

These small, powerful compositions are recognized today as some of Blake’s most profound contributions to the art of prints. Unlike the meticulous detail often favored by contemporary British engravers, Blake’s technique is rougher and more spontaneous, utilizing bold lines and stark contrasts of light and shadow to achieve a deeply expressive, primitive effect. His interpretation of Virgil’s ancient poetry transforms the classical text into a visionary meditation on the simple, yet profound, relationship between shepherds, flocks, and the natural world. Critics often highlight the raw energy and unique style of these wood engravings, noting how the medium perfectly complements Blake's idiosyncratic approach to mythology and spirituality.

This important set of The Pastorals of Virgil proofs underscores the vitality of the British printmaking tradition during the first quarter of the nineteenth century. As a key example of the master’s late-period output, this work is permanently housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a crucial reference for the study of Romantic-era illustration. Due to the age and significance of many of Blake's original illustrations, related works and high-resolution reproductions are frequently classified within the public domain, ensuring widespread access to the visionary art of Blake.