The Circle of the Corrupt Officials; the Devils Mauling Each Other

"The Circle of the Corrupt Officials; the Devils Mauling Each Other" is a powerful engraving created by William Blake in 1827. This dark and dense print, executed late in the artist’s life, exemplifies his distinct aesthetic within the British Romantic and Visionary tradition of the 1826 to 1850 period. As a seasoned master of graphic arts, Blake utilized the challenging medium of engraving to render a complex scene of intense moral and physical conflict.

The subject matter, though not explicitly labeled, is strongly associated with Blake’s illustrations for Dante Alighieri’s Inferno, specifically those cantos concerning political corruption and the Barrators punished in the lowest circles of Hell. The composition depicts a chaotic, claustrophobic struggle where intertwined demonic figures inflict brutal torment, potentially representing the devils assigned to police the corrupt or the souls of the officials themselves in their eternal, internecine conflict.

Blake’s rendering is characterized by highly dynamic, muscular forms and deep, dramatic contrast, features intrinsic to his linear approach to relief prints. This technique allows for sharp definition, emphasizing the visceral struggle inherent in the composition. The intensity captured in this work reflects Blake's sustained engagement with classical literature, prophetic texts, and apocalyptic visions during his later career, offering a damning visual critique of systemic vice.

This significant print belongs to the collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a critical example of British printmaking in the early nineteenth century. Blake’s comprehensive body of graphic art, including this dramatic engraving, is highly regarded by art historians. Because the artwork resides in the public domain, high-quality images and prints are widely accessible for study, ensuring the continued relevance of Blake's profound social and spiritual commentary.