Published on The Morgan Library & Museum (https://www.themorgan.org)

Home > After William Blake

After William Blake

Zoom image
Download image: 
Image icon 360389v_0001.jpg
After William Blake
1757-1827
"Measuring his motions by revolving spheres"
Black chalk and graphite, on tracing paper mounted on card.
15 3/8 x 13 3/4 inches (391 x 352 mm)
Gift of Mr. Herman Cohen.
1980.79:17
Notes: 

Copy on tracing paper by an unknown copyist of a design by William Blake to illustrate Edward Young's Night thoughts.

Provenance: 
Herman Cohen, Sandy Hook, Conn.
Summary: 

Design shows the winged figure of Time in the foreground, striding to the left with his scythe towards a crowd standing in the background at left, including a woman at far left with a baby in her arms and a group of dancing, cavorting figures, one of whom looks back in horror at the approaching tip of Time's scythe, while the bodies of the dead lie stretched out beneath its blade at right.

Associated names: 

Cohen, Herman, former owner.
Young, Edward, 1683-1765. Night thoughts.

Catalog link: 
See more information ยป
Artist page: 
Blake, William
School: 
British
Century: 
19th century
Classification: 
Drawing
Department: 
Drawings and Prints