The Fall of Satan 1825 - 1826

Editor: Here we have William Blake's "The Fall of Satan," an engraving from around 1825-26. The dense lines and swirling figures are really striking; it feels claustrophobic and chaotic. What do you see in this piece, focusing on the material choices and context of its production? Curator: It's critical to recognize the print as a commodity, albeit one imbued with spiritual intention. Blake’s choice of engraving—a relatively accessible medium—suggests a desire to disseminate his visions widely, addressing the material conditions of spiritual experience. Look at the labor involved in creating this intricate design; the very act of engraving, the pressure exerted to transfer the image, echoes the divine force Blake attempts to depict. Editor: That's interesting; I was focusing on the figures themselves – God enthroned, Satan falling. I hadn’t considered the *making* as central. Curator: But aren't those figures themselves products of their time? Consider the role of print culture in shaping religious and political ideologies of the period. The production of affordable prints was directly tied to the dissemination of ideas; Blake’s very medium speaks to the intersection of spirituality, commerce, and artistic production. How does the inscription itself function materially on the page? Editor: I see what you mean. The text framing the central image isn't just supplementary; it's integral to the piece's visual and material presence, another layer etched into the metal. The production informs the message, challenging any clear boundary between 'high' art and the more quotidian world of printed matter. Curator: Precisely! Blake exploits and critiques the very system that allows him to share his visions. It pushes us to consider how art’s meaning is entangled with its material means of production. Editor: That gives me a whole new perspective to appreciate it. I am also keen to view his other works that take similar approach, and dive deeper into Blake's commercial engagements and his labour! Thanks for illuminating that for me.