The Ancient of Days

     Known throughout the world, this drawing to the right could possibly be the most famous piece of art that William Blake ever created. Created in 1794, The Ancient of Days was inspired by Blake's often visions that he would see through his daily life. Being a very religious man and a follower of Christ, Blake's work reflect his faith. This specific drawing was originally a water color drawing for the cover of "Europe, the Prophecy." Blake stated that the image appeared to him through a vision when he was overlooking a staircase while he was living in Lambeth.
     The main focus that Blake brought to the viewers attention when looking at the image was the theme "Urizen." The theme is based upon the idea of both conventional reason and law and the interaction between both. The poetical work and drawings of "Urizen" depict the bearded man throughout many works as he is to embody the reason in life that coexists with the law establish on earth. The idea that Blake portrays is the man has the power to create and constrain the universe itself. In other depictions the man used nets to constrain men by law.
     Blake created in his own words a version of how the bible was created and the laws that come over man along with creating a god, Urizen and his polar opposite, Los, portraying the same characteristics of God and the Devil. In the poem, "Europe, the Prophecy," Urizen through his own works is able to open the book of brass, which resembles the bible, and places he laws on mankind.
     The compass in the painting is to symbolize the creation and condition of the world and the philosophy during that time period. Through the painting and the overall meaning and ideas in "Europe, The Prophecy," Blake is trying to convey his fears and concerns of Europe's intentions and current condition of leadership and beliefs. Blake was tired of how religion was being twisted and manipulated all throughout England. "Europe, The Prophecy," and "The Ancient of Days" clearly portray Blake's deepest concerns for the human race.