Thou Hast Fulfilled the Judgment of the Wicked (The Book of Job) 1821

Editor: Here we have William Blake's watercolor, "Thou Hast Fulfilled the Judgment of the Wicked" from his Book of Job series. The swirling figures and fiery depths give it a very dramatic feel. What do you see in this piece, particularly regarding its material and production? Curator: Blake's engraving process is key. Think about the labor involved, the repetitive action of carving the metal. The material itself—copper—dictates the fine lines and contrast. This isn't just about divine judgement; it's about Blake's physical engagement with the means of production. Editor: So, the process itself becomes part of the meaning? Curator: Precisely. The act of creation, the materiality of the artwork, and Blake's social context as a working artist—all contribute to how we understand this image of judgement. Considering the materials helps us see beyond the surface. Editor: That's a really interesting way to look at it. I’ll be sure to keep material and production in mind for future works.