The Circle of the Lustful: Paolo and Francesca

1827, printed 1968

William Blake (artist); Harry Hoehn (printer)

Associated Names
William Blake

Artist, British, 1757 - 1827

Harry Hoehn

Printer, American, 1918 - 1974

This is a drawing featuring swirling human forms and celestial imagery. The image includes a large spiral or vortex composed of numerous human figures in various poses, some entwined with each other. These figures seem to be flowing or rising within the spiral. Above the spiral is a radiant circular light source, with an additional smaller figure inside. On the right side, a lone figure appears to be observing the scene, standing near a lifeless body on the ground. The detailed line work gives the drawing an ethereal and dreamlike quality.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving [restrike]

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.9363

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Bindman 1978, no. 647, State (restrike)


Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1978

  • Bindman, David. The Complete Graphic Works of William Blake. London: Thames and Hudson, 1978.

Wikidata ID

Q65026721

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