The Messengers tell Job of his Misfortunes Possibly 1825 - 1874

Curator: William Blake’s print, "The Messengers tell Job of his Misfortunes," presents a scene of utter devastation. I’m immediately struck by the stark contrast of light and shadow and the dynamism of the figures. Editor: It's almost frantic, isn't it? The messenger rushes in, practically mid-leap, while Job and his wife are frozen in postures of despair. One can sense the weight of the news through the figures' gestures and the composition. Curator: Absolutely. Blake was deeply interested in spiritual and social upheaval. We see this reflected in the context of the biblical Job, grappling with immense suffering and the questioning of divine justice. Blake was an outspoken critic of established power structures. Editor: Blake was known for his unique printmaking techniques. I'm curious about the labor involved in creating this plate, the physical act of etching and engraving to convey such emotion. The materiality of the medium seems to amplify the rawness of the subject matter. Curator: Blake’s works always bring us back to the issues of power, injustice, and, perhaps most importantly, the resilience of the human spirit when faced with unimaginable horrors. Editor: Indeed. The image pushes us to reconsider our relationship to labor, value, and how suffering is materially represented and experienced.