'Lamech and his Two Wives', William Blake

Artwork details

Artist

William Blake (1757‑1827)

Title

Lamech and his Two Wives

Date 1795

MediumColour print, ink and watercolour on paper

Dimensionssupport: 431 x 608 mm

Collection

Tate

Acquisition Presented by W. Graham Robertson 1939

Reference

N05061

Not on display

Display caption

Lamech was Cain’s great-great-great grandson. He is asking for protection from the possible consequences of the murders he has committed.

Blake’s image was printed onto smooth white paper. The light pencil crosses are framing marks of unknown date; they could be Blake’s. The inscription near the lower edge appears to be in Blake’s hand, perhaps written at the time of production. The writing at lower right, intended to be hidden by any frame, has been added by several curators. Blake’s hand-finishing extended beyond the colour printing at each corner, and has been extended by others, for neat framing within a window mount.

September 2004