I Am Young and Ye Are Very Old; Wherefore I was Afraid (The Book of Job) 1821

Curator: This is William Blake's work, "I Am Young and Ye Are Very Old; Wherefore I Was Afraid (The Book of Job)," currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. What strikes you first about this image? Editor: The stark vulnerability—the pallid figures under this otherworldly sky. It feels like a moment of raw honesty laid bare. Curator: Blake's processes, particularly his relief etching, are fascinating. He treated the metal plate almost like a woodcut, allowing for dynamic line work, and then he likely added watercolor washes to achieve these delicate tones. Editor: Absolutely. The ethereal quality almost feels like it's commenting on the institutions of power that determine who is considered "wise" or "authoritative" in society. Are we truly listening to the younger voices? Curator: The question of how we construct authority through materiality and technique is central to understanding Blake. He challenged the very notion of artistic hierarchies through his method. Editor: Considering this work within the context of Blake's anti-establishment views really does deepen its message. Thanks for highlighting that. Curator: And thank you for making me consider how its presentation shapes our viewing experience.