A black and white engraving titled 'Alas!' by William Blake, depicting a nude man struggling in turbulent water, clutching a hat, with another figure partially submerged in the water below.
personhatwatergroundengravingartWilliam Blakestrugglewatertragedyhistorical art

This is a black and white engraving depicting a dramatic scene of a man struggling in water. The style is reminiscent of William Blake's work, with a focus on line and texture. The central figure is a nude man, dynamically posed as if falling or being pulled under the water. His body is muscular and contorted, with one leg extended and the other bent. He reaches upwards with one arm, clutching a hat, while the other arm is outstretched. His head is tilted back, and his expression appears distressed. The surrounding area is filled with dense, swirling lines representing water. The lines create a sense of turbulence and movement, emphasizing the man's struggle. At the bottom of the image, a partially submerged figure lies prone in the water, possibly another person or a victim of the same situation. The overall composition is chaotic and emotionally charged, conveying a sense of desperation and tragedy. The engraving is titled 'Alas!' and is credited to W. Blake, Lambeth, with a publication date of May 1793.


License: CC0