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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 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 of swirling figures. The scene depicts a spiral of figures flowing together. There is a sense of motion and interaction among them. On one side, a robed figure gazes upon a reclining figure on the ground. The composition is detailed, with flowing lines creating movement and energy. Shading and line work create depth and texture in this monochromatic work.

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Artwork overview

Medium

engraving [restrike before plate was cleaned]
Credit Line

Rosenwald Collection
Accession Number

1980.45.181
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

Q65578972

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