The Fall of Satan 1825

William Blake created "The Fall of Satan" using engraving, a medium that allowed him to achieve sharp contrasts and intricate details. The composition is vertically oriented, and the figures are intertwined to create a dynamic sense of motion. Satan is depicted in a dramatic descent, surrounded by angels and figures that emphasize the chaotic nature of his fall. The use of light and shadow heightens the emotional impact. Blake uses a semiotic system of signs to interpret the visual components and cultural codes, challenging traditional representations of good and evil. In this print, Blake destabilizes established meanings by showing the fall not merely as a divine punishment but as a moment of transformation and rebellion. The absence of clear boundaries and fixed meanings encourages us to question the nature of power, authority and the self.