I am Young & ye are very Old wherefore I was afraid by William Blake

I am Young & ye are very Old wherefore I was afraid 1825

print, engraving

comic strip sketch

print

pen illustration

pen sketch

old engraving style

personal sketchbook

england

pen-ink sketch

pen work

sketchbook drawing

storyboard and sketchbook work

sketchbook art

engraving

"I am Young & ye are very Old wherefore I was afraid" is a 1825 engraving by William Blake, illustrating a scene from his poem "The Book of Job." The illustration depicts the biblical story of Job, a righteous man who is tested by God, with Job in the center of the composition, a young man being addressed by three elder figures who are seated. This is a classic example of Blake's characteristic style, utilizing a complex composition and intricate lines to create a powerful emotional impact. This print, along with others in the series, was intended to be a visual meditation on the themes of faith and suffering. The Minneapolis Institute of Art houses this piece which is a great example of Blake's unique visual language.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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Both Job and his friends are silenced because neither has convinced the other and they have no further dialogue. Elihu enters the discussion. He is moved to wrath against Job for justifying himself instead of God and even more his friends for condemning Job. As indicated by his posture, his arguments are drawn from the astronomical universe: his left hand points to the stars, which are also rendered in the margins; his left foot is advanced. He confirms that God and his universe are too great to be comprehended, yet God has a special care for mankind. This is common knowledge yet Elihu's words immerse Job in deep thought; could there be a Redeemer' Job's sleeping Humanity appears in the lower margin with soaring angels striving to awaken him.