The artwork, titled “Nebuchadnezzar,” was created by William Blake in 1795 using the medium of engraving. This piece is an example of the Symbolism art movement and is classified as a symbolic painting. The dimensions of the artwork are 620 x 446 cm. It is currently located at the Tate Modern in London, UK.
“Nebuchadnezzar” depicts a dramatic and powerful scene, reflecting the symbolic and often mystical themes that Blake is known for. The artwork illustrates the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar II, during the period of his madness as described in the Bible. The king is portrayed as a naked, bearded man crawling on all fours with a wild and bewildered expression on his face. His elongated fingernails and toes, coupled with a muscular yet emaciated body, highlight his fall from regal glory to a more primal and beast-like state. The background of the artwork is dark and textured, adding to the overall sense of disorientation and emphasizing the contrast between the king’s former majesty and his current degradation. Blake’s meticulous engraving technique underscores the intense emotional and psychological depth of Nebuchadnezzar’s transformation.
