Contemporary Visual Responses to Paradise Lost

Images soon began to interpret Milton's poem. The following are from John Baptist Medina's illustrations for the handsome folio edition of Paradise Lost published in 1688. Medina is closer to the spirit of Milton's poem than many later illustrators, and it is revealing to note what he chooses to emphasize. One of the most striking treats is the scene in which Adam narrates to Raphael the events following upon his creation (NAEL 8, 1.1965–71). Also shown here are Satan's encounter with Sin and Death (Book 2) and the culmination of the war in heaven (Book 6).