The copperplate used to print this impression, barely two inches tall, dates from 1788—one of Blake’s earliest experiments in etching words and images in relief. It was made for a book of aphorisms, evidently set aside when he began etching the larger, more elaborate designs for Songs of Innocence. The earlier plates were not printed until 1794, after Blake had produced the Songs and most of his other illuminated masterpieces.
William Blake (1757–1827), There Is No Natural Religion ([London]: The author and printer W. Blake, [1788/94]). Gift of Mrs. Landon K. Thorne, 1973, PML 63940.1.