Canto III, Verse 201

Canto III, Verse 201 is an intricate engraving created in 1803 by the combined efforts of William Blake and Mary Ann Flaxman. Classified as a Print, this collaboration resulted in a refined work characteristic of the early British Romantic movement, showcasing the detailed line work inherent to the engraving process. The choice of medium suggests the work’s probable function as an illustration or part of a published edition, a common practice among British artists working at the dawn of the nineteenth century.

Falling squarely within the period spanning 1801 to 1825, the piece reflects the artistic sensibilities of the era, which often drew heavily upon literary and classical subjects for inspiration. While Blake is globally renowned for his profound mythological and spiritual illustrations, Flaxman contributed significantly to the technical execution necessary to translate Blake’s complex vision into the rigid structure of a print. The specific verse referenced in the title suggests a scene related to Dante Alighieri’s Inferno, a text that frequently inspired artists who sought to depict dramatic and allegorical narratives.

As a fine example of a historical print, the work is part of the distinguished collection at the National Gallery of Art. The collaborative nature of this composition speaks to the artistic partnerships common during the British Regency period. The technical mastery demonstrated by Flaxman in handling the tools of engraving ensures the lasting power and precise, detailed execution of Blake's original design. Today, high-quality prints of this 1803 artwork are often made available through collections designated as public domain, allowing researchers and the wider public access to this significant example of collaborative British artistry.