The Pastorals of Virgil 1821

This is “The Pastorals of Virgil,” made by William Blake using wood engraving, a relief printmaking technique. Unlike traditional engraving on metal, wood engraving uses the end grain of a block of wood, allowing for finer detail. Here, Blake’s skillful use of the material shines. Notice the stark contrast between light and shadow, achieved through the precise removal of wood around the lines. This creates a dramatic texture, evoking the pastoral scenes of Virgil. Blake pushes the limits of the medium to render the images in great detail. Wood engraving as a process is significant. It was closely associated with commercial illustration and the printing press. Blake challenges the hierarchy between fine art and craft. By elevating this commercial technique, he infuses the artwork with the themes of labor, rural life, and perhaps even a critique of industrialization. He reminds us that art can emerge from unexpected places, blurring the lines between the practical and the sublime.