"Thou hast fulfilled the judgement of the wicked," 1825

Curator: Blake’s etching, "Thou hast fulfilled the judgement of the wicked," is a potent vision. The swirling composition and stark contrasts evoke a sense of apocalyptic drama. Editor: The descending figures, tumbling downwards, immediately create an emotional response – a feeling of both terror and pity. It is such a striking image of fallibility. Curator: Blake's focus on the figure of Satan, cast down from Heaven, speaks to his own radical theology. It reflects a fascination with rebellion and challenging established power structures during a time of social upheaval. Editor: And the surrounding figures, some seemingly embracing, suggest a kind of shared fate or shared suffering. The image, with its dense symbolism, feels like a memory of guilt. Curator: The visual language suggests a complex interplay between judgement and empathy, typical of Blake's work. It's not simply about condemning the wicked, but understanding their plight within a cosmic narrative. Editor: Blake’s images resonate deeply because they confront the duality inherent in the human condition. By exploring these archetypes, he offers pathways to self-understanding.