The Vision of Eliphaz

The Vision of Eliphaz by William Blake, executed in 1825, is a compelling illustration drawn from the British artist’s celebrated series based on the Book of Job. This specific work is an impressive engraving created on thick paper, distinguished by a carefully rendered border executed in graphite, showcasing Blake’s late career dedication to combining printmaking rigor with hand-finished elements.

The subject matter relates directly to the passage in which Eliphaz the Temanite, one of Job’s friends, describes a terrifying, otherworldly vision that appeared to him in the night. Blake captures the moment of supernatural visitation, using the stark contrasts afforded by the engraving technique to amplify the dramatic, spiritual tension inherent in the scene. The composition emphasizes the spectral figure of the spirit before Eliphaz, utilizing dense fields of hatching to create deep shadows juxtaposed with areas of brilliant light, characteristic of Blake’s highly personalized interpretation of biblical narratives during the period 1801 to 1825.

Blake was renowned for utilizing the visual power of prints to disseminate his idiosyncratic mythology and complex theological beliefs. Although deeply rooted in the traditions of British art, Blake consistently pushed the boundaries of artistic convention, making his work highly influential among subsequent generations of artists. This piece is classified as a Portfolio item, reflecting its nature as one of a unified set of illustrations designed for publication.

The enduring quality of Blake’s draftsmanship and the thematic complexity of the image are evident in this finely detailed print. The work resides in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a crucial example of early 19th-century British Romanticism. Today, high-quality images of these historic prints are frequently made available, placing this powerful artistic interpretation within the public domain for ongoing scholarly research and appreciation.