Who painted Restrike from fragment of cancelled plate for "A Prophecy"?

Restrike from fragment of cancelled plate for "A Prophecy" was painted by William Blake in 1793.

Where can I see Restrike from fragment of cancelled plate for "A Prophecy"?

Restrike from fragment of cancelled plate for "A Prophecy" is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Restrike from fragment of cancelled plate for "A Prophecy"?

Restrike from fragment of cancelled plate for "A Prophecy" is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Restrike from fragment of cancelled plate for "A Prophecy"?

Museum-quality prints of Restrike from fragment of cancelled plate for "A Prophecy" are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Restrike from fragment of cancelled plate for "A Prophecy"

William Blake , 1793

Restrike from fragment of cancelled plate for "A Prophecy" is an ink print by the Romanticist artist William Blake. It dates from 1793 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1793, this work is a hybrid relief etching and intaglio print produced by the English poet‑artist William Blake. It derives from a fragment of a plate that Blake originally cancelled for his prophetic series titled “A Prophecy.” The surviving impression bears a handwritten, cursive verse that is partially obscured by age and uneven ink.

Subject & Meaning

The image combines visual and textual elements typical of Blake’s prophetic oeuvre, where poetry and illustration merge to convey visionary themes. Although the exact content of the verse is difficult to decipher, the piece reflects Blake’s preoccupation with mystic revelation and the interplay between the material and spiritual realms.

Technique & Style

Blake employed a relief etching process, carving the design into a copper plate and then printing the raised surfaces, while also incorporating intaglio methods that capture ink in recessed lines. The result is a print with irregular edges, variable ink density, and a patinated beige background, evidencing extensive handling and the passage of time.

History & Provenance

The plate from which this impression was taken was originally cancelled, suggesting Blake’s own dissatisfaction or revision of the composition. The fragment was later re‑struck, preserving a portion of the abandoned design. The work remained relatively obscure during Blake’s lifetime, aligning with the limited contemporary recognition of his broader prophetic series.

Context

Situated within Blake’s “prophetic works,” the piece belongs to a larger corpus of poetry and visual art that explores apocalyptic and visionary narratives. Produced in the late eighteenth century, it reflects the Romantic era’s fascination with individual imagination and spiritual transcendence, themes central to Blake’s artistic identity.