"There were not found women fair as the daughters of Job." 18th-19th century

Editor: This is William Blake's engraving, "There were not found women fair as the daughters of Job." It's full of swirling lines and contrasting textures. What do you see in the formal arrangement of the figures? Curator: Observe how Blake employs contrasting linear techniques to distinguish the earthly realm from the divine. Note the figures' posture and the composition; how might the contrast in line weights further reinforce the conceptual dichotomy present in the piece? Editor: It seems to emphasize a spiritual connection, but I hadn't thought about the linear techniques contributing to that. Curator: Exactly. The formal elements aren't merely decorative; they construct and reinforce the core themes of the work. Editor: That really makes me see the piece in a new light. Curator: Indeed. Formal analysis provides a powerful lens through which to understand Blake's artistic vision.