William Blake, 1757–1827, BritishPublished by Robert John Thornton, 1768–1837, British
Title:
Octavius Augustus Cæsar
Date:
1821
Materials & Techniques:
Etching and line engraving on medium, slightly textured, cream wove paper
Dimensions:
Spine: 7 1/8 inches (18.1 cm)
Inscription(s)/Marks/Lettering:
Lettered lower right: "Blake, del. et Sculp."; lower center: "Octavius Augustus Caesar | Was Nephew to Julius Caesar, and 18 years old when Caesar was afsafsinated; | joins Antony, and Lepidus, and defeats Brutus and Cafsius, at the | Battle of Phillippi, 41 years B.C. _ Antony marries Octavia, Sister to Augustus, whom he deserts for Cleopatria, Queen of Egypt, whom Caesar defeats in a naval battle at Actium, 31 years before Christ; | _Shuts the Temple of Janus, the world having been created 3948 | years, when a new AEra commences, the irth of Christ; _dies, | 14 years after that period, at 76, having reigned 44 years. | London, Published by Dr.Thornton, 1821."
Credit Line:
Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection