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 Plate 51 from Jerusalem c.1804-15 to c.1818-20 white-line etching and intaglio engraving, printed in relief in orange ink; later watercolour, and pen and ink, and liquefied gold finish (NGV 47) Felton Bequest, 1920 1026-3 National Gallery of Victoria Jerusalem was the last, and the longest of Blake's prophetic books. It tells of the struggles of Albion (representing mankind and also a personification of England) and his female counterpart Jerusalem, their fall, and final redemption through Christ. Here, Vala, shown crowned, represents the fallen Jerusalem overcome and incarcerated in the fiery depths of absolute despair. Her companions are Hyle (who stands for Blake's overbearing patron William Haley) and Skofeld (representing the soldier John Scolfield, who had charged Blake with sedition in 1803). |
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