The Ancient of Days

William Blake's "The Ancient of Days" is a powerful and iconic image, originally serving as the frontispiece for his 1794 prophetic work, *Europe a Prophecy*. This particular rendition, created in 1827, was one of the last works Blake completed, made just weeks before his death for a patron named Frederick Tatham. It depicts Urizen, a figure from Blake's intricate mythology, in a crouching position, extending his hand to hold a compass over a dark, swirling void. The imagery draws its name from the biblical Book of Daniel, referring to one of God's titles, and illustrates a moment of creation or measurement. Blake was deeply influenced by the Bible, which remained a profound source of inspiration throughout his life, and he described experiencing mystical religious visions. These experiences often found their way into his art, which is characterized by philosophical and mystical undercurrents. Blake's distinctive style, often combining text and image, makes him a singular figure in the Romantic movement, defying easy classification by contemporaries. This image was a personal favorite of the artist, who reportedly took great pleasure in producing copies of it, exclaiming, "There, that will do! I cannot mend it," after finishing the version for Tatham.