Thenot Under a Fruit Tree, from Thornton's "Pastorals of Virgil" 1821

"Thenot Under a Fruit Tree, from Thornton's 'Pastorals of Virgil'" is a 1821 wood engraving by English artist William Blake. The artwork depicts two figures, likely Thenot and Damon, sitting under a fruit tree. The scene, bathed in the light of a large sun, is set in a pastoral landscape, possibly inspired by the Roman poet Virgil's "Eclogues." Blake's distinctive use of bold lines and a chiaroscuro effect, reminiscent of his illuminated manuscripts, adds a dramatic and symbolic quality to the work. This engraving, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, represents Blake's artistic exploration of both literary and biblical themes, highlighting his unique ability to translate literary narratives into powerful visual expressions.