# Los [View the canonical artwork record]() ## Artwork - Artist: [BLAKE, William]() - Date: 1751-1800 - Technique: Etching with pen, watercolour and gold, 146 x 222 mm ## Commentary Trained as an engraver, Blake evolved into a shamanic figure - mystic, philosopher, priest - compelled to set his visions before the world. They took the form of epic, quasi-biblical dramas of spiritual redemption. He increasingly eschewed conventional media and published them in 'Prophetic Books' written and illuminated himself by processes of colour printing. In his Prophetic Books, the character of Los exemplifies the artist's roles as seer, mystic and interpreter. The author of all art and literature, architect of a City of Art, Los is responsible for everything mankind sees and senses. In Jerusalem he takes various forms, from a London nightwatchman to a blacksmith at his forge, but he is also Blake himself. When the narrative reaches its last page, Los rests from his smithy, but a temple of false religion is already extending to cover the land behind him as night follows day. ## Related artworks - [Adam and Eve Sleeping]() - [Albion, Symbolic Figure]() - [Christ as the Redeemer of Man]() - [Elisha in the Chamber on the Wall]() - [Elohim Creating Adam]() - [Hecate or the Three Fates]() - [Isaac Newton]() - [Job and his Daughters]() - [Job Confessing his Presumption to God who Answers from the Whirlwind]() - [Lear Grasping a Sword]() - [Los Entering the Grave]() - [Nebuchadnezzar]() ## Attribution [Web Gallery of Art]()