The Creation
1825
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1825
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Creation is a 1825 ink by William Blake, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows two worlds: above, five winged figures stand in a starry sky, arms raised as if creating something. Below, three people kneel on a dark, rocky ground, watching. The top is bright with swirling clouds and tiny stars, while the bottom is shadowy, almost like a cave. The border is packed with small scenes and Bible verses, like "Let there be Light" or "Let the Waters be gathered." The artist used fine lines to build up shadows and light, making the figures look almost three-dimensional. Look up engraving next to see how artists like Blake carved these detailed lines into metal.
