The Virgin and child in Egypt
William Blake (1757-1827)
1810
Great Britain, probably
Tempera on canvas
76.5 x 63.5 cm
Museum no. P.25-1953
Given by Paul Mellon, 1953

This is one of four similar paintings that Blake made for his faithful patron Thomas Butts. The others depict Adam, Eve and Christ. As a group, they show the Fall and redemption of mankind. Blake thought it more ethical to paint in tempera, an egg-based paint, than oil, as it could not be corrected.