The artwork, titled “Satan smiting Job with boils,” was created by William Blake in 1826 and belongs to the Symbolism movement. This illustration, which measures 43.2 x 32.6 cm, is part of the “Illustrations to the Book of Job” series.
In this evocative illustration, the scene depicts the dramatic biblical moment when Satan afflicts Job with painful boils. Satan is portrayed as a dominant, menacing figure with a muscular build, standing tall with outstretched arms, his wings unfurled, and an intense expression on his face. The backdrop features dark, swirling clouds adding a sense of chaos and foreboding. Job, in contrast, is on the ground writhing in agony, his body covered in boils, epitomizing suffering and despair. A third figure, draped in white, appears to be grieving or offering solace, adding emotional depth to the scene. The overall composition masterfully conveys the themes of torment, despair, and divine testing.