The Ancient of Days
![](/Images/godic/202502/15/Europe_a_Prophecy_copy_K_plate_015906.jpg")
![](/Images/godic/202502/15/Europe_a_Prophecy_copy_B_object_1_Bentley_1,_Erdman_i_Keynes_i_Europe_a_Prophecy5907.jpg")
![](/Images/godic/202502/15/Europe_a_Prophecy_copy_D_1794_British_Museum_object_15907.jpg")
![](/Images/godic/202502/15/Europe_a_Prophecy_copy_E_1794_Library_of_Congress_object_15907.jpg")
The Ancient of Days is a design by William Blake, originally published as the frontispiece to a 1794 work, Europe a Prophecy. It shows Urizen crouching in a circular design with a cloud-like background. His outstretched hand holds a compass over the darker void below. As noted in Gilchrist's Life of William Blake, the design was "a singular favourite with Blake and as one it was always a happiness to him to copy." As such there are many versions of the work extant, including one completed for Frederick Tatham only weeks before Blake's death.