For this week’s topic I will be focusing on: How might the imagery in this picture show Job waking up from a false understanding of religion, based on morality and obligation.
This week we visited the NSW Art Gallery and during that visit we had access to the Plates from Blake’s Book of Job. This blog post will specifically look at Plate 11: Job’s Nightmare. The imagery from this picture shows Job waking up from a false understanding of religion that is based from morality and obligation. This is showcased through the nightmarish figure hovering above an awaken, frightened Job. The monster figure above Job is Satan disguised as God, this is evident because of the hoof and the serpent wrapped around the body. Furthermore, the image depicts flames emerging from the bottom of Job’s bed, which flames are generally associated with Satan, this highlights how Job woke up from a false understanding of religion. He expected to be awakened and commanded by God, however, he was tricked by Satan and Satan commanded him through fear within Job’s nightmare. Through this Job realises that his understanding of religion is false through morality and obligation as he recognises that he is worshipping Satan and is commanded by him rather than God himself.
Image source: https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/8032.12/
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