The Ancient of Days (God as an Architect) by William Blake 1794. 9 1/4 x 6 5/8 in. Relief etching finishing in gold, watercolors and gouache on paper, 1/1 Illuminated book.
Subject: Personal function, religious/spiritual.
Subject matter: God standing in the Heavens creating the Universe.
Form: Multi-hued print and watercolor and gouache on paper 9 1/4 x 6 5/8, very good use of the red hues, very detailed, good description of character, emphasis on character by lyrical lines coming forth from character.
Content: A medieval representation of God creating the universe using the tools of architect. The figure is kneeling down from Heaven and attempts to circumscribe the infinity of creation with a golden compass. The black background is very effective to show that from nothingness came everything but only through one being, which is what this character is. The use of the compass might signify trying to give direction to an otherwise universe of pure chaos. To me this image speaks of nothing but power. It is almost humbling to see that one being had the power to create all of this so then he must too have the power to take it all away. The use of printing, though I am not well versed in the styles, seems to fit well, allowing layer upon layer on color. High value yellows and reds really make an excellent contrast to the black giving the character your full attention, on top of that he is encompassed in a circle essentially framing him so you cannot help but focus on what the artist wanted you to. I believe this inspiration probably came from his childhood years when he was with his family. They were very religious.
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