The Circle of Corrupt Officials: The Devils Mauling Each Other

The Circle of Corrupt Officials: The Devils Mauling Each Other by William Blake, created between 1820 and 1832, is a powerful example of the artist's late-period mastery of printmaking. Executed as an engraving, this highly detailed work belongs to a significant series of illustrations Blake undertook based on classic literary sources, specifically Dante Alighieri’s Inferno. The careful technical execution inherent in the engraving process allowed Blake to achieve the dramatic contrasts and intricate line work necessary to depict the tormented figures within the infernal landscape.

This piece visually interprets the punishments meted out in one of the lower circles of Hell, focusing on those guilty of corruption and deceit in public office. The scene is chaotic and intensely visceral, depicting grotesque devil figures violently attacking one another, symbolizing the internal strife and self-destructive nature of unchecked avarice. Blake’s idiosyncratic visual vocabulary elevates the traditionally religious subject into a profound commentary on human morality. The sheer density of the imagery and the dramatic portrayal of the fallen officials being overseen by the figures of the devil characterize Blake’s unique Romantic vision, which prioritized spiritual intensity over classical refinement.

As one of his final major print projects, the series encompassing works like The Circle of Corrupt Officials: The Devils Mauling Each Other is highly valued for its historical and artistic significance. This particular engraving is currently housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Given its age and status as a key piece of British Romantic art, the work is frequently studied as an example of late Blakean symbolism. Today, reproductions and prints of this historical masterwork are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring widespread access to Blake’s enduring visual legacy.