Nebuchadnezzar 1795

Editor: William Blake’s “Nebuchadnezzar,” from 1795, rendered in watercolor and print. The figure is quite unsettling. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It’s a powerful indictment of power. Blake was deeply critical of institutional authority. Consider the Book of Daniel's account, where King Nebuchadnezzar's hubris leads to his madness and bestial exile. Editor: Right, I remember reading that! The abasement, the loss of reason... Curator: Precisely! Blake, a Romantic, uses this historical allegory to critique the dehumanizing effects of unchecked power, particularly in the context of 18th-century British society. Think about the rising industrialization and the Napoleonic wars—what social parallels can you draw? Editor: I see it now. The Romantic era, in general, reacted to oppressive politics and celebrated personal freedom. The king crawls, like an animal, he is utterly exposed. Curator: Indeed, Blake isn't merely illustrating a biblical tale; he’s using it to address issues of social justice and the inherent worth of the individual in the face of overwhelming forces. What do you notice about Blake’s style here? Editor: His unique expression, and very specific anatomy. This is unlike any painting I've seen! Curator: His style amplifies his message, creating images which are disturbing, and therefore deeply memorable. What would you say is its contemporary message? Editor: It feels like it encourages everyone to question power, even today. Curator: Exactly. By viewing the art with historical knowledge, we realize how truly progressive Blake was.