Nebuchadnezzar (1795) 2
William Blake brings the biblical tale of King Nebuchadnezzar to terrifying life, depicting the once-proud ruler crawling on all fours like a wild beast. Driven mad by divine punishment for his arrogance, the king's muscular body is twisted into an animalistic pose, complete with claw-like toes and a wild, terrified expression. Blake, a visionary of the Romantic movement, often explored themes of madness and spiritual degradation, using this striking image to warn against the dangers of unchecked pride. The textured, earthy colors and dramatic lighting make the king's descent into bestial madness feel incredibly raw and immediate.
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