Unknown subject (Let Him look up into the Heaven and laugh in the bright air)

The print Unknown subject (Let Him look up into the Heaven and laugh in the bright air) by William Blake, created circa 1805, showcases the artist’s mastery of complex graphic techniques. This particular example is classified as a print, utilizing a demanding combination of engraving and relief-etching, with evidence suggesting the potential addition of aquatint to achieve nuanced tonal effects. Notably, this impression was printed in reverse of a previously executed related work (accession number 1943.3.8974). Executed during the period spanning 1801 to 1825, the piece exemplifies Blake’s unique approach to both visual art and prophetic textual interpretation during the height of the British Romantic movement.

While the primary subject remains formally unidentified by the artist, the evocative subtitle, "Let Him look up into the Heaven and laugh in the bright air," immediately suggests themes of spiritual liberation, euphoria, or the depiction of a visionary moment, all central tenets in Blake’s established oeuvre. As a leading figure in British art of his time, Blake frequently transcended conventional artistic boundaries, utilizing printmaking not merely for the purpose of reproduction but as an original and powerful mode of expression for his mythological and symbolic imagery. Blake's distinctive, energetic line work and the intense technical demands of relief-etching underscore the passion and intensity of the spiritual message embedded within this piece.

This graphic work provides vital insight into Blake’s career, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to integrating poetic vision and visual narrative long after his creation of the famous illuminated books. Due to its significant age and cultural importance, this print often falls into the public domain, ensuring that high-resolution reproductions are widely available for scholarly study. The print Unknown subject (Let Him look up into the Heaven and laugh in the bright air) is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., preserving a profound example of early 19th-century British visionary art.