The artwork titled “Christ Tempted by Satan to Turn the Stones to Bread,” created by William Blake between 1815 and 1819, is a pen, wash, ink, and watercolor illustration on paper. It belongs to the Symbolism art movement and measures 13.3 x 16.8 cm. This piece is part of the “Illustrations to John Milton – Paradise Regained” series and is housed in the Fitzwilliam Museum at the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, UK.
The artwork depicts a scene from John Milton’s “Paradise Regained,” where Christ is being tempted by Satan to turn stones into bread. The composition portrays Christ and a bearded figure, presumably Satan, engaging in a dialogue. Christ, with a serene expression and a faint halo around his head, stands gesturing with his hand raised index finger pointing upward, signifying his divine authority and his refusal to yield to temptation. Satan, depicted with an older and more rugged appearance, gestures toward the stones at his feet, attempting to persuade Christ. The background, filled with lush trees and a calming sky, contrasts with the tension of the foreground interaction, emphasizing the spiritual and moral stakes of the scene. The delicate use of watercolor and ink highlights Blake’s mastery in conveying intense emotion and theological symbolism.
