Proverbs of Hell

Title

Proverbs of Hell

Student Commentary:

The majority of this plate from The Marriage of Heaven and Hell (1960 facsimile) is comprised of green text on a white backdrop. In between lines, as well as in margins, there are some miniature illustrations. Blue landscape, whether it be sea or sky, fills much of what would otherwise be blank space. Bordering the words “Proverbs of Hell” are two scenes with human figures. To the left of the title, an old, hunched, male figure is clutching a walking stick. On the right of the title, several human figures are confronted by a snake that appears to be flying through the air. The humans have their arms raised in fright, while the snake bares its fangs in a vicious display. In another miniature scene, a nude male figure has his arms outstretched as if he is mid-movement. At the bottom of the plate, an angel wearing a long yellow robe is playing a trumpet while a large snake-like creature appears to swim alongside the angel.

Links:

Detailed View of Image at the William Blake Archive

About this Book

Source

William Blake@Union Digital Collection