"Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind," 18th-19th century

Curator: Then the Lord answered Job out of the Whirlwind" by William Blake. It feels so turbulent, that swirling vortex, and the figures seem overwhelmed. What do you see in the physical construction of this piece, and how does Blake's process contribute to its meaning? Editor: Well, Blake's engraving process itself is crucial. The labor involved, the deliberate marks made on the plate, reflect a conscious decision to create this specific image. The text incorporated into the design further emphasizes the material reality of the print as a manufactured object, not just a representation. Curator: Exactly! The act of creation, the physical toil embedded in each line, mirrors the divine force depicted. It blurs the lines between the artist's labor and a higher power. Editor: That’s a perspective I hadn’t considered before. Thanks! Curator: Of course! It’s fascinating how materiality can elevate a work beyond mere illustration.