When the Morning Stars Sang Together

The visionary work When the Morning Stars Sang Together by William Blake, executed in 1825, is a profound example of his late-career printmaking. This portfolio piece utilizes the demanding medium of engraving, meticulously printed on thick paper, further enhanced by a hand-drawn border in graphite. Created during the height of the Romantic movement in British art, the piece exemplifies the distinctive spiritual and symbolic narratives favored by Blake during the period spanning 1801 to 1825.

Blake consistently used the precision afforded by engraving to render his complex mythological and biblical scenes. This work is characteristic of the artist’s output, demonstrating his mastery of linear design and dramatic figuration, which often focuses on ethereal or sublime themes. The emphasis on finely etched lines gives the figures a sculptural quality, contrasting with the expansive and symbolic composition. Although specific interpretations vary, the title and visual complexity suggest a direct link to the Book of Job, a recurring source of intense inspiration for Blake late in his life.

Classified as a portfolio print, the piece reflects Blake’s lifelong dedication to disseminating his unique vision through the reproducible format of prints. For artists and scholars studying the period, the detailed quality of the graphite border provides insight into Blake’s working method and his desire to fully frame the engraved image. Because of its age and cultural significance, this celebrated piece is often reproduced in the public domain, allowing wide access to Blake's unique imagery. The original engraving, When the Morning Stars Sang Together, currently resides in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a critical example of the late British Romantic visual tradition.