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Visit
Open today 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission is always free

6th and Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20565

Sculpture Garden Extended Hours

Open late until 8:00 p.m. on select nights
Starting June 3
Exhibitions & Events
Featured event:

Block Party
Join us June 6
Art & Artists
Open Call

Artists Reimagining the Collection
Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

The Circle of the Thieves; Buoso Donati Attacked by the Serpent

1827

William Blake

Associated Names

William Blake

Artist, British, 1757 - 1827

This drawing portrays an ethereal scene with figures and a mythological creature. It features nude figures in classical poses with a cloaked figure beside them, interacting with a dragon-like creature. The background has stylized clouds and natural forms with fine etched lines. The scene is on a copper plate, giving it a reddish-brown hue.

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This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

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Artwork overview

Medium

engraved copper plate
Credit Line

Rosenwald Collection
Accession Number

1943.3.1740

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1957

The Art of William Blake, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1957, no. 94.

Markings

recto: none; verso: mark of copperplate manufacturer Pontifex & Co [Lisle Street, Soho, London]

Wikidata ID

Q63570750

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