Satan Going Forth fron the Presence of the Lord 1825 - 1826

Curator: This is William Blake’s engraving, “Satan Going Forth from the Presence of the Lord,” made between 1825 and 1826. It's currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: It's quite striking, with all that swirling energy! I am drawn to the central figure of Satan. There's a real sense of him being cast out, but the whole piece feels more tragic than villainous. Curator: Blake's visual interpretations of religious texts were often deeply personal and subversive. Here, Blake seems to engage with the Book of Job, picturing a scene of judgment and expulsion within the framework of social commentary. The use of serpent imagery along the borders gives it a powerful edge. Editor: The process of engraving itself interests me. Think about the labor involved in creating such intricate details through etching or engraving. Each line, each shadow, meticulously carved, reflecting a specific vision but also dependent on craft. How the print was disseminated is just as important to understand his art. Curator: Absolutely, Blake used engraving to control the reproduction and distribution of his ideas, operating somewhat outside of the established art market and its institutions. He was deeply concerned with societal injustices and the misuse of power. That's very clear, even in his choice of subject matter and the visual drama of this scene. Editor: Yes, look at the composition. The almost sculptural figures contrast sharply with the intricate lines that define the background and surrounding frame. There’s a raw materiality, isn’t there? It makes you think about the very act of image-making, not just its symbolism. The verses, and snake motifs further enforce the experience as a constructed process. Curator: Ultimately, it shows the power of art to challenge conventions. He asks the viewer to actively engage with the image. Editor: Indeed. Thinking about Blake's process, this feels like a bold attempt to grapple with power, labour, and social structures through tangible making.