Nebuchadnezzar

The Tate Gallery Britain, London, the UK.

Watercolour, ink, paper.

The monotype with the addition of ink and watercolours is an illustration of the Book of the Prophet Daniel, which tells of King Nebuchadnezzar II. This Old Testament king was punished by the Almighty for pride and was forced to wander alone, turning into a wild beast. The king was released from the curse only after seven years when he raised his eyes to heaven and praised God. William Blake expressively conveyed the external changes that occurred with the king during his wanderings and internal struggle. Nebuchadnezzar’s hair and beard grew so much that they reach the ground, scary bird-like claws appeared on his feet, and his gaze expresses the suffering and despair of a wild beast.