"And smote Job with sore boils," 1825

Curator: William Blake's intaglio print, "And smote Job with sore boils," presents a stark scene from the Book of Job. It was printed in 1825. Editor: The immediate impression is one of stark drama—the contorted figure of Job contrasts sharply with the more upright figure, and the barren landscape adds to the overall feeling of despair. Curator: The printmaking process itself speaks to this drama. Blake's use of engraving and etching creates a textured surface, reflective of Job's physical suffering and the material conditions of poverty. The cheapness of print allowed for its circulation to a wide audience. Editor: It’s the visual symbols that draw me in. Job’s boils and nakedness, the setting sun—they all represent a loss of status, health, and divine favor. Look at the figures in the border, though; they hint at redemption. Curator: True, yet Blake, as a commercial artist, was always navigating patronage, artisanal labor, and mass consumption. The raw materials he used and the labor involved directly influence our understanding of this print. Editor: Perhaps, and by understanding the symbols and psychological states Blake renders, we gain a glimpse into enduring human experiences of suffering and hope. Curator: A thought to consider, for sure. Editor: Indeed.