The Circle of the Traitors; Dante's Foot Striking Bocca degli Abbate

1827, printed 1968

William Blake (artist); Harry Hoehn (printer)

Associated Names
William Blake

Artist, British, 1757 - 1827

Harry Hoehn

Printer, American, 1918 - 1974

A drawing of two robed figures standing near a body of water with faces visible beneath the surface. The scene is in a monochromatic style, with the central figures draped in flowing garments by the water, filled with faces of individuals. Some faces are partially submerged, showing expressions of distress or contemplation. The foreground displays detailed faces, creating a mood and narrative. In the background, a rocky cliff with carved faces adds to the mystical atmosphere. The composition blends human forms with natural elements, creating a surreal quality. The drawing's style suggests a symbolic or allegorical theme, focusing on the interaction between the figures and their environment in this ethereal landscape.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving [restrike]

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 38.1 × 45.8 cm (15 × 18 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1980.45.179

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Bindman 1978, no. 653, State (restrike)

  • Series Title

    Dante's "Divine Comedy": pl.7 ("Inferno," canto XXXII)

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1978

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

Wikidata ID

Q65578968

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