c. 1820
Sepia wash over pencil, 243 x 210 mm
Tate Gallery, London
Among Blake's metaphors for creative vision was the Old Testament prophet Elisha, foretelling her future son to the Shunammite woman who had given him a room for his meditations. There can be little doubt that Blake's bearded seer in his chamber was a more revealing record of himself and his art than a literal portrayal of his features could ever be.