The Reunion of the Soul & the Body, from "The Grave," a Poem by Robert Blair

The Reunion of the Soul & the Body, from "The Grave," a Poem by Robert Blair by William Blake, is a potent 1813 engraving illustrating the dramatic themes of death and resurrection central to Robert Blair’s popular 1743 meditative poem, The Grave. Though Blake originally intended to engrave all the designs himself, many plates for the major 1808 first edition were ultimately executed by Louis Schiavonetti under the direction of R.H. Cromek. This later 1813 impression, executed in the demanding medium of engraving, highlights Blake’s distinct, highly spiritualized approach to printmaking and poetic illustration.

The print captures the profound moment described in the poem when the grave opens and spiritual forms reunite with their earthly remains. Blake depicts a central, luminous figure, presumably the soul, descending toward the physical body below. Surrounding this dramatic scene, spectral and physical forms of Men and Women rise from their tombs, emphasizing the universal nature of resurrection and bodily judgment. Blake’s distinctive linear style, characteristic of his work in the early 19th century, maximizes the emotive power of the composition, using the stark contrasts inherent in the engraving technique to illustrate supernatural light and shadow.

This particular impression of the work resides in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, cataloged as an exceptional example of Blake’s visionary prints. Although the original poem was written by Blair, the success and enduring legacy of the published series are attributed largely to Blake’s iconic designs. As a historically significant piece, high-quality images of this powerful engraving are often found within the public domain, allowing scholars and enthusiasts worldwide access to Blake’s unique interpretation of eschatological themes.