Nebuchadnezzar —completed in London, United Kingdom in 1795, is a notable piece by the English poet and artist William Blake. This Work depicts the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II during his Period of Madness, as described in the Book of Daniel Thompson. Blake's composition showcases the king in a State of animalistic transformation, crawling on all fours with matted hair and elongated nails, symbolizing his descent into a bestial Existence. The intricate detailing and striking Imagery emphasize the themes of human Pride and its subsequent fall. The artwork is characterized by its intense emotional Resonance and vivid portrayal, reflecting Blake's unique visionary Style. It is currently held in the collection of the Tate Britain in London.
Genealogy
Nebuchadnezzar serves as a compelling Representation within the visual and intellectual milieu of the late 18th and early 19th century, drawing from the biblical narratives found in the Book of Daniel, which chronicle the Babylonian king’s descent into madness. The title evokes the transformation of King Nebuchadnezzar, who becomes a symbol of Hubris punished and Redemption through suffering, manifesting in his temporary dehumanization. The artwork is deeply embedded in the theological and philosophical discussions of its Time, reflecting on themes of divine Retribution and human Folly. Central figures include the historical Nebuchadnezzar II, a monarch known for his empire-building prowess and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, whose portrayal here is stripped of grandiosity, highlighting instead his period of madness living like a beast. It aligns with other interpretations of Nebuchadnezzar's narrative, where the king's animalistic portrayal serves as a cautionary tale against the excesses of pride and Ambition. The intellectual Context includes the interplay between Enlightenment ideas, which emphasized Reason and Restraint, and Romanticism’s embrace of emotional depth and Sublime experiences. Nebuchadnezzar becomes a visual Exegesis on these tensions, illustrated through the king’s contorted physicality, capturing the struggle between humanity and animality. Historically, the depiction has been used to explore the boundaries between insanity and sanity, reflecting societal fears of Irrationality lurking beneath the Surface of human civility. Misinterpretations have at times recast Nebuchadnezzar purely as a Figure of chaos, neglecting the biblical Resolution of restoration and enlightenment. The work’s relationship to other depictions of Nebuchadnezzar, both in Art and Literature, reveals a continuous reinterpretation of his story as an Allegory for transformation and enlightenment, where the underlying Forces are a discourse on Power, Humility, and the divine.
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