When the Morning Stars Sang Together by William Blake, executed in 1825, is a powerful example of the artist’s late-career graphic work. This piece, a meticulous engraving produced on thick paper, belongs firmly within the tradition of British Romanticism. Created toward the end of the period spanning 1801 to 1825, this work demonstrates Blake’s unique capacity to fuse profound mystical vision with technical precision in the medium of prints.
The classification of this piece as part of a portfolio suggests it was intended for wider circulation among Blake’s patrons, though his audience remained small during his lifetime. The engraving technique allows for a depth of detail and control necessary to convey the visionary subject matter. Blake often drew inspiration from the Bible, and the imagery here relates strongly to the Book of Job, specifically the passages describing creation and divine dialogue. The resulting depiction is highly symbolic, moving beyond mere illustration to create a dynamic representation of celestial forces singing at the dawn of existence.
Blake’s handling of form, characterized by dramatic, flowing lines and densely worked figures, emphasizes the ethereal nature of the scene. The engraving showcases the complexity that the artist, despite his age, maintained in his output, contrasting light and shadow to give the figures an overwhelming sense of energy and spiritual movement.
This piece is a significant example of the mature art produced by Blake, an intensely independent figure within British art history. While his visionary art was often esoteric, his sustained production during the 1801 to 1825 period cemented his status as a key Romantic figure. The work currently resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. Today, due to the historical significance of the artist’s legacy, high-resolution reproductions of many of Blake’s original prints are made available through public domain collections, ensuring continued access to masterpieces like this one.
Important: ArtBee makes no warranties about the copyright status of this artwork. To the best of our knowledge, based on information from the source museum, we believe this work is in the public domain.
You are responsible for determining the rights status and securing any permissions needed for your use. Copyright status may vary by jurisdiction. See our License & Usage page and Terms of Service for details.