"When the morning stars sang together," c. 1823

Curator: This is William Blake's engraving, "When the morning stars sang together," created sometime around 1826. Editor: Whoa, it’s incredibly detailed! The figures are all so expressive, but there’s something almost claustrophobic about the composition. Curator: Blake's work often draws upon biblical themes, particularly the Book of Job here, and the engraving explores ideas of creation and divine power dynamics. The surrounding text and imagery frame the central scene within a complex symbolic context. Editor: It’s like he’s captured the moment of cosmic dawn, both terrifying and beautiful. I feel the awe but also a strange sense of isolation in the face of such immensity. Curator: Blake was deeply concerned with the relationship between the individual and institutional power. His work often critiques oppressive structures within church and state. Editor: It makes you wonder, doesn’t it? About our place in the universe, and whether that shouting was joy or something else entirely.