God Blessing the Seventh Day (Fragment/Collation)
Original: Color print with ink/watercolor on paper. Displayed: Printed reproduction/postcard. • William Blake (British, 1757–1827).
Style & Movement
Romanticism / Visionary Art. Characterized by muscular neoclassicism and spiritual symbolism.
Medium & Technique
Color relief etching, hand-finished with pen, ink, and watercolor. This image appears to be a modern photographic print or postcard of the original work.
Creation Period
Original created circa 1803-1805; This reproduction is modern (20th/21st century).
Dimensions & Format
Original: approx. 42 x 35 cm. Displayed: Small format postcard/clipping (approx. 10 x 15 cm), landscape orientation.
Subject Description
The composition depicts God creating or hallowing the Sabbath. Features the characteristic 'Blakean' muscular male figure in a crouched position, symbolizing divine energy and architectural creation (associated with his figure of Urizen or Elohim). The lower section shows angelic or human figures in repose/worship amidst stars and architectural scrolls.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (for a reproduction). The paper shows no major tearing, though it is a secondary source (an image of an image).
Estimated Market Value
Minimal retail value ($1 - $5 USD) as a commercial reproduction.
Auction Estimate
N/A - Not a primary market fine art object.
Provenance History
The original work is in the collection of the British Museum. This specific physical item appears to be a commercial art postcard or a plate from an art book/exhibition catalogue.
Art Historical Significance
William Blake is a seminal figure in Romanticism. This work represents his unique cosmology and his 'Large Color Prints' technique, which combined printmaking with individual hand-painting to create one-of-a-kind visionary scenes.
Notable Features
The image is rotated 90 degrees clockwise in the photograph. It serves as a study of Blake's use of 'linear' musculature and his fascination with celestial geometry and stars.
Condition Issues
Minor edge wear consistent with being a loose card or book-plate; slight yellowing of the white cardstock border.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the printed inks. No formal conservation required for a commercial reproduction.