Songs of Innocence: The Little Black Boy (second plate) 1789 - 1825

This hand-colored relief etching, “Songs of Innocence: The Little Black Boy (second plate),” was created by William Blake between 1789 and 1825. Blake was a renowned English artist, poet, and printmaker known for his unique style. This artwork depicts a scene from Blake's "Songs of Innocence," featuring a young Black child and Jesus seated beneath a tree. The image, printed on paper and measuring 6 3/16 x 5 9/16 in. (15.7 x 14.1 cm), is part of a larger collection housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Blake's use of vibrant colors and intricate details, along with his powerful poetry, brings to life his message of universal love and equality for all people.