The Wrath of Elihu 1825

William Blake made "The Wrath of Elihu" using engraving, a medium which allowed him to disseminate his unique spiritual and political vision widely during a time of revolution and social upheaval. Blake, a radical visionary, often critiqued established religious and social norms. This print, illustrating a scene from the Book of Job, offers a glimpse into Blake's complex engagement with faith and authority. Elihu, a young man, rebukes Job and his companions, claiming divine wisdom. Blake depicts Elihu as an assertive, almost prophetic figure, set against the humbled postures of the others. Blake's art often challenges traditional interpretations of biblical stories, inviting viewers to question established power structures. In his own words, "The Old Testament is the great Poem of God & not of the Devil." What does it mean that Blake saw the potential for good in the Old Testament? How might "The Wrath of Elihu" challenge or reinforce conventional readings of religious texts? This image invites us to consider how youth challenges age, new ideas confront old dogmas, and personal insight can disrupt communal belief.