Art, Symbol & Imagination
The Bearded Figure with Outstretched Arms
A long-bearded figure rises above the verse with both arms extended into curling clouds. Dark flowing bands and small forms complete the lower border. Blake gives the speaking conflict of his prophecy a bodily counterpart through the figure’s expansive gesture.
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Citation
William Blake. "The Bearded Figure with Outstretched Arms" [editorial title]. In America: A Prophecy, William Blake. Undated supplied facsimile, undated edition. Source scan leaf 25. Lumitheca. /gallery/image/gallery-20261108-0268-0012
Source details
Editorial title and description. Source details from the Library catalogue.
A facsimile reproduction of William Blake’s illuminated book. Lettering and imagery are preserved together where they form a unified plate.
Sources
From the book
America: A ProphecyWilliam BlakeUndated editionMore from this book
America a Prophecy: The Illuminated Title
The Bound Winged Figure and the Children
America: The Preludium beneath the TreeRelated illustrations
Cite this illustration
William Blake. The Bearded Figure with Outstretched Arms. America: A Prophecy. Scan leaf 25. Lumitheca. https://lumitheca.com/gallery/image/gallery-20261108-0268-0012