Tornado–Zeus Battling Typhon, from Erasmus Darwin's "The Botanic Garden"

Tornado–Zeus Battling Typhon, from Erasmus Darwin's "The Botanic Garden" is a powerful engraving created by William Blake in 1795. This compelling print served as an illustration for Canto IV of Erasmus Darwin’s influential scientific poem, reflecting the late 18th-century intersection of Enlightenment-era scientific curiosity and profound interest in classical mythology. Blake, renowned for his visionary style and command of line, utilized the demanding process of copperplate engraving to achieve the high contrast and dramatic texture necessary to depict this violent confrontation.

The work dramatically captures the mythological conflict between the Olympian deity Zeus and the monstrous giant Typhon. Blake renders the scene not merely as a battle of gods, but as a struggle of elemental forces, with the forms of the combatants twisted within a violent, chaotic vortex that explicitly references the meteorological event named in the title. The composition powerfully emphasizes the sovereignty of Zeus, whose divine might is expressed through the terrifying, destructive energy of the tornado he harnesses against his adversary.

This illustration highlights Blake’s characteristic integration of classical themes, natural power, and spiritual allegory. The technical mastery evident in the intricate cross-hatching and shading distinguishes this print and demonstrates the artist's inventive adaptation of the medium for published works. This important historical engraving resides in the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As a major publication from the Romantic era, this iconic piece of illustration is frequently cited and is often found in discussions regarding art currently in the public domain.