The Ghost of Samuel Appearing to Saul c. 1800

William Blake's "The Ghost of Samuel Appearing to Saul" is a watercolor painting from c. 1800 that depicts a scene from the Book of Samuel in the Bible. It shows King Saul on his knees, reaching out to the ghost of Samuel who is illuminated by a bright light and surrounded by demonic figures. The use of light and dark contrasts emphasizes the dramatic nature of the encounter, highlighting the fear and desperation of Saul in the face of the supernatural. This piece exemplifies Blake's unique style that combined Romantic sensibility with symbolic imagery, making it a standout example of his work.