Jerusalem, Plate 22, (E 168)
"Jerusalem then stretchd her hand toward the Moon & spoke Why should Punishment Weave the Veil with Iron Wheels of War When Forgiveness might it Weave with Wings of Cherubim"
Jerusalem, Plate 31 [35], (E 177)
"And the Divine voice came from the Furnaces, as multitudes without Number! the voices of the innumerable multitudes of Eternity. And the appearance of a Man was seen in the Furnaces; Saving those who have sinned from the punishment of the Law, (In pity of the punisher whose state is eternal death,) And keeping them from Sin by the mild counsels of his love."
Inscriptions, On Blake's Illustrations to Dante, (E 688)
"Whatever Book is for Vengeance for Sin & whatever Book is Against the Forgiveness of Sins is not of the Father but of Satan the Accuser & Father of Hell"
British Museum Illustrations to Dante's Divine Comedy 'Beatrice on the car, Matilda and Dante' |
The blessedness of Eden is represented in the light which radiates from the candelabra and stretches across the heavens in a rainbow. Dante is prepared to cross the river Lethe and bathe in its waters which will wash away his memories. He will cross another river also; the Eunoe whose waters will restore happy, helpful, life-giving memories to carry with him to the upper heavens.
Although Blake portrayed a positive uplifting scene, you may notice a long string of clouds surrounding much of the procession; these are the type of clouds which Blake associates with Vala who was in such opposition to Jerusalem. This is a reminder that Dante's system diverged from the truth Blake perceived.
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