![BLAKE, William (1757-1827). Sefer Iyov [Hebrew]. Illustrations of The Book of Job. London: William Blake, 8 March 1825 [Binding label: 'Published by the Author... and Mr. J. Linnell... March, 1826'.]](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2014/CKS/2014_CKS_01584_0333_001(blake_william_sefer_iyov_hebrew_illustrations_of_the_book_of_job_londo025206).jpg?w=1)
![BLAKE, William (1757-1827). Sefer Iyov [Hebrew]. Illustrations of The Book of Job. London: William Blake, 8 March 1825 [Binding label: 'Published by the Author... and Mr. J. Linnell... March, 1826'.]](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2014/CKS/2014_CKS_01584_0333_002(blake_william_sefer_iyov_hebrew_illustrations_of_the_book_of_job_londo025233).jpg?w=1)
![BLAKE, William (1757-1827). Sefer Iyov [Hebrew]. Illustrations of The Book of Job. London: William Blake, 8 March 1825 [Binding label: 'Published by the Author... and Mr. J. Linnell... March, 1826'.]](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2014/CKS/2014_CKS_01584_0333_000(blake_william_sefer_iyov_hebrew_illustrations_of_the_book_of_job_londo051427).jpg?w=1)
Details
BLAKE, William (1757-1827). Sefer Iyov [Hebrew]. Illustrations of The Book of Job. London: William Blake, 8 March 1825 [Binding label: 'Published by the Author... and Mr. J. Linnell... March, 1826'.]
2° (408 x 275mm). Engraved title and 21 plates (these c.206-215 x c.105-170mm), early 'proof' states on unmarked wove paper, fine impressions, apparently from a very early printing. (Mostly marginal spotting throughout, a few spots reaching into some plates). Original green cloth-backed drab card wrappers, printed paper label on the upper cover (gatherings detached the adhesive having perished but the sewing still holding, spotting, cup ring on the upper cover).
ONE OF 65 'PROOF' SETS ON WOVE PAPER, IN THE ORIGINAL BINDING. In Job the pastoral imagery of Songs of Innocence is reintroduced and used in much the same way to denote stability and happiness, and at the same time a form of limited perception. The illustrations show a remarkable likeness between Job and God. A further mirroring effect is achieved since Job's distress reflects Blake's own situation so closely, and the renewed kindness eventually shown to Job must reflect that of the young Linnell and his circle towards the artist. The book was completed and officially published on 8 March 1825, although the plates were not approved until early in 1826. Copies were to be sold by Linnell, and, according to his accounts, 150 'Proof' Sets on India paper (watermarked 'J Whatman Turkey Mill 1825') and 65 on 'French' paper were printed by Lahee in March 1826. Then the word 'Proof' was removed from the plates and 100 sets were printed on 'drawing paper'. The price was left blank on the label to be inserted by hand, but was originally 'Proofs £6. 6s' and 'Prints £3. 3s'. Bentley Blake Books 421A; Bentley Biography, pp. 394-400; Keynes 55; Ray English 313.
2° (408 x 275mm). Engraved title and 21 plates (these c.206-215 x c.105-170mm), early 'proof' states on unmarked wove paper, fine impressions, apparently from a very early printing. (Mostly marginal spotting throughout, a few spots reaching into some plates). Original green cloth-backed drab card wrappers, printed paper label on the upper cover (gatherings detached the adhesive having perished but the sewing still holding, spotting, cup ring on the upper cover).
ONE OF 65 'PROOF' SETS ON WOVE PAPER, IN THE ORIGINAL BINDING. In Job the pastoral imagery of Songs of Innocence is reintroduced and used in much the same way to denote stability and happiness, and at the same time a form of limited perception. The illustrations show a remarkable likeness between Job and God. A further mirroring effect is achieved since Job's distress reflects Blake's own situation so closely, and the renewed kindness eventually shown to Job must reflect that of the young Linnell and his circle towards the artist. The book was completed and officially published on 8 March 1825, although the plates were not approved until early in 1826. Copies were to be sold by Linnell, and, according to his accounts, 150 'Proof' Sets on India paper (watermarked 'J Whatman Turkey Mill 1825') and 65 on 'French' paper were printed by Lahee in March 1826. Then the word 'Proof' was removed from the plates and 100 sets were printed on 'drawing paper'. The price was left blank on the label to be inserted by hand, but was originally 'Proofs £6. 6s' and 'Prints £3. 3s'. Bentley Blake Books 421A; Bentley Biography, pp. 394-400; Keynes 55; Ray English 313.
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