By the Waters of Babylon 1806

Editor: This watercolor by William Blake, "By the Waters of Babylon," shows figures in apparent distress. The subdued palette gives it an ethereal feel, but I'm unsure how to interpret the scene. What's the story here? Curator: Well, consider the title and the historical context. Blake's work often critiques power structures. Here, he illustrates the exile of the Israelites in Babylon. How does the visual composition support this theme of displacement and captivity? Editor: I see the figures are chained and weeping, and there's a harp hanging unused. They're clearly separated from the city in the background. Does Blake suggest a parallel between this historical event and social injustices of his own time? Curator: Precisely. Blake often used biblical scenes to comment on contemporary British society. The painting becomes a potent statement about the abuse of power and the longing for freedom, doesn't it? Editor: It really does. It’s amazing how much historical and social commentary can be packed into one image. Curator: Absolutely. Blake's work reminds us that art is always in conversation with its world.