Shepherd Chases Away Wolf, from The Pastorals of Virgil

William Blake made this small wood engraving, Shepherd Chases Away Wolf, as an illustration for a translation of Virgil’s Pastorals. Here, Blake revisits classical pastoral themes through the visual language of late 18th-century England. We see a shepherd in a generalized classical garb, arms raised, driving away a wolf, protecting the flock. Note the backdrop: a thatched cottage, the very image of rural England. Blake was deeply critical of industrialization and the exploitation of labor. His images of shepherds, like this one, often served as critiques of social injustice in England. The image evokes a longing for a simpler, more virtuous past. Yet, these pastoral images also engage with contemporary debates about land use and social inequality. To fully understand this work, historians consult Blake's other writings, the artistic conventions of his time, and the economic conditions of rural England. Understanding this context is key to appreciating the social commentary embedded in Blake's art.