The Ancient of Days

from the sources

• The Ancient of Days was originally published as the frontispiece to Blake's 1794 work Europe a Prophecy. en.wikipedia.org

  “The Ancient of Days is a design by William Blake, originally published as the frontispiece to the 1794 work Europe a Prophecy.”

• The design shows the figure Urizen crouching in a circular design against a cloud-like background. en.wikipedia.org

  “It draws its name from one of God's titles in the Book of Daniel and shows Urizen crouching in a circular design with a cloud-like background.”

• Urizen's outstretched hand holds a compass over a darker void below. en.wikipedia.org

  “His outstretched hand holds a compass over the darker void below.”

• Blake reused the concept of a crouching figure holding a compass in his Newton, completed the following year. en.wikipedia.org

  “The same concept of a crouching figure holding a compass was used by Blake in his Newton, completed the next year.”

• Many versions of the work exist, including one made for Frederick Tatham only weeks before Blake died. en.wikipedia.org

  “As such there are many versions of the work extant, including one completed for Frederick Tatham only weeks before Blake's death.”

• The British Museum notes that one copy, accessioned in 1885, was left out of Martin Butlin's 1982 catalogue raisonné, suggesting doubt about its attribution. en.wikipedia.org

  “The British Museum notes that one copy, accessioned in 1885, was excluded from Martin Butlin's 1982 catalogue raisonné of Blake's paintings and drawings, suggesting the author doubted that attribution.”

• Early critics regarded the work as among Blake's best and as a favourite of the artist himself. en.wikipedia.org

  “Early critics of Blake noted the work as amongst his best, and a favourite of the artist himself.”

• The copy commissioned by Tatham was tinted by Blake while he was propped up in bed. en.wikipedia.org

  “The copy commissioned by Tatham in the last days of Blake's life, for a sum of money exceeding any previous payment for his work, was tinted by the artist while propped up in his bed.”