After William Blake

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After William Blake
1757-1827
"If angels tremble"
Black chalk and graphite, on tracing paper mounted on card.
14 1/4 x 12 5/8 inches (363 x 319 mm)
Gift of Mr. Herman Cohen.
1980.79:15
Notes: 

Copy on tracing paper by an unknown copyist of a design by William Blake to illustrate Edward Young's Night thoughts.

Inscription: 

Inscribed slightly to left of center in pencil: a Christian is the highest style of man / and is there who the blessed cross wipes off / as a foul blot from his dishonest brow / if angels tremble, it is at such a sight.

Provenance: 
Herman Cohen, Sandy Hook, Conn.
Summary: 

Design shows a male figure lying on the ground at left, one hand held to his brow and the other raised in a gesture of alarm; behind him at right, two female figures stand together, one with hands held up with palms outwards and an expression of distress on her face as the other burys her face in her hands.

Associated names: 

Cohen, Herman, former owner.
Young, Edward, 1683-1765. Night thoughts.

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