The artwork, titled “Melancholy,” was created by William Blake between 1816 and 1820. It belongs to the Symbolism art movement and is classified as a religious painting. This piece is part of the series “Illustrations to John Milton – L’Allegro and Il Penseroso.”
The artwork features a collection of ethereal, religious figures arranged in a serene and contemplative scene. Central to the composition is a tall, robed figure with a solemn expression, likely the personification of Melancholy. Surrounding this central figure are smaller, angelic beings with halos, positioned in various postures of reverence and contemplation. Above them, celestial beings, including one seated on flames and another on a crescent moon, contribute to the spiritual ambiance of the piece. The background has a starry, dreamlike quality, enhancing the mysticism and symbolic nature of the work. The use of muted, somber colors complements the theme of melancholy, imbuing the artwork with a profound sense of introspective quietude.
