The Ancient of Days Print – William Blake, 1794, Esoteric God Illustration, Occult Mystic Poster, Magic Print with Compasses, Occult Wall Art, Visionary Blake Artwork #240

This Ancient of Days Print is a reproduction of one of William Blake’s most iconic works, created in 1794 as the frontispiece to his illuminated book Europe a Prophecy. The visionary image shows Urizen, the architect of the material world, crouched within a blazing sun while extending a great pair of compasses into the void.

Blake’s Ancient of Days has become one of the most enduring images of mysticism, divine creation, and esoteric art. Radiant beams cut through the darkness of the cosmos, while Urizen’s flowing hair and muscular form emphasize both divine power and human limitation. It remains one of the greatest mystical illustrations of the Romantic era.

Available as a fine art print on hand-made paper for a historic, authentic feel, or on canvas for a bold gallery-style presentation. Each piece is delivered unframed, so you can choose the perfect frame for your esoteric study, meditation room, or occult-inspired home décor.

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A Visionary Masterpiece of Creation

Blake, both a poet and an artist, sought to depict not only biblical themes but also his own visionary mythology. In this print, Urizen is not simply the God of Genesis, but a symbolic figure of reason, measurement, and control. His compasses mark the boundaries of the universe, suggesting the tension between infinite imagination and finite law.

This is art that transcends religion — part mystical vision, part philosophical allegory, and part critique of rationalism. For Blake, creation itself was both awe-inspiring and confining, a paradox mirrored in Urizen’s intense gaze and strained posture.

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What the Artwork Depicts

• Urizen with Compasses – God-like architect measuring the cosmos.

• The Blazing Sun – source of divine radiance, creation, and illumination.

• Fiery Beams – lines of cosmic order piercing primordial darkness.

• Dynamic Posture – muscular, crouching body straining with the act of creation.

• Storm Clouds – the unknown and chaotic forces surrounding divine law.

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Symbolism and Esoteric Meaning

• God as Architect – image of the Demiurge, divine craftsman shaping the material world.

• Compasses of Creation – symbol of geometry, balance, and cosmic measurement.

• Urizen as Reason – in Blake’s mythology, Urizen embodies logic and law, in tension with imagination.

• Sun as Divine Source – eternal light, inspiration, and revelation.

• Romantic Mysticism – blending Christian iconography with Blake’s personal esoteric vision.

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Historical and Cultural Context

The Ancient of Days was first engraved and hand-colored by Blake in 1794, serving as the frontispiece to Europe a Prophecy. Blake was working during the Romantic period, when imagination, spirituality, and rebellion against rational Enlightenment values were central themes.

While the image recalls traditional biblical iconography of God the Creator, it is also deeply unorthodox. Blake’s Urizen reflects Gnostic and Hermetic influences, where the Demiurge is both a necessary and limiting force — the shaper of matter, but also the jailor of the spirit.

This work became Blake’s most reproduced image during his lifetime and has remained a defining symbol of visionary art, bridging poetry, mysticism, and esoteric philosophy.

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Why Choose This Print?

• Authentic reproduction of William Blake’s “The Ancient of Days” (1794).

• One of the most iconic images in mystical, esoteric, and visionary art.

• Available on hand-made paper or canvas.

• Delivered unframed – frame it to suit your sacred space or study.

• Perfect for occultists, mystics, Blake enthusiasts, and collectors of Romantic art.

• A timeless piece uniting art, poetry, philosophy, and mysticism.

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Perfect For

• Collectors of occult and esoteric prints.

• Admirers of William Blake and Romantic visionary art.

• Practitioners of Hermeticism, mysticism, or symbolic meditation.

• Decorators of mystical, gothic, or dark academia interiors.

• Unique gifts for poets, philosophers, artists, and seekers of hidden wisdom.

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More Than Just an Illustration

This Ancient of Days Print by William Blake is more than a religious image — it is a cosmic vision of creation and control. Combining poetry, art, and esoteric philosophy, it embodies Blake’s unique genius and continues to inspire those who seek the hidden meaning of existence. To display it is to bring into your space one of the greatest mystical artworks of all time.

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Canvas vs. Hand-Made Paper — Print Comparison Guide