Origins A Vision of the Last Judgement

the day of judgement (1805) blair s grave

blake claimed have seen visions throughout life, , claimed common aspect of life. understanding of these events was, explained, similar experiences of biblical prophets. in commentary vision of last judgement, blake claimed image originated in particular vision experienced allowed him see host of heaven praising god. actual design of vision of last judgement created in 1808 expansion of 1805 work day of judgement. blake created work used in blair s grave, published 1808.

the 7 foot 5 foot painting shown in 1810 exhibit of blake s work, exhibit cancelled after problems resulting 1809 exhibit of works. actual painting lost, earlier versions of work survived. these include 1808 watercolour version made elizabeth ilive, wife of george wyndham, 3rd earl of egremont, displayed @ petworth house. similar illustration in pencil , ink became part of rosenwald collection. other editions included watercolours made thomas butts in 1806, 1807, , 1809, 1 john flaxman in 1806 (lost), , 1809 unsold version in tempera. these in addition day of judgement made blair s grave.

the painting discussed in blake s descriptive catalogue, work that, in 1809, described blake s feelings various painters , poets in addition descriptions of own works , various meanings. blake planned create edition 1810 collection plan stopped after exhibition cancelled. notes blake planned write works vision of last judgement , public address survived. notes discovered william michael rossetti , first mentioned in letter horace scudder on 27 november 1864. rossetti transcribed notes alexander gilchrist s life of william blake, biography on blake. 1 piece of work missing: part of page 71 sent rossetti scudder. blake discussed 1808 watercolour sold ilives in 2 works, poem, caverns of grave ive seen , written ilives provided blake design. , description of ilives s design humphry in january 1808.