The powerful and intense work, The Circle of the Corrupt Officials; the Devils Mauling Each Other, created by William Blake in 1827, exemplifies his late-period commitment to highly detailed illustrative projects. Classified as Technical Material, this piece is an engraved copper plate, which served as the matrix for creating impressions or prints of the final design. The technique of engraving allows for sharp definition and intricate line work, perfectly suited to the visionary intensity Blake brought to classical and moral subjects. This process showcases the meticulous skill required to translate complex, crowded imagery onto a durable metal surface.
The subject matter is characteristic of Blake's preoccupation with spiritual and social critique. While the specific literary source is generally inferred to be Dante Alighieri’s Inferno, the imagery focuses directly on the visceral punishment of those who abused public trust. Depicting devils aggressively mauling each other within a confined space, the composition serves as a stark moral commentary prevalent in British art during the 1826 to 1850 period. The scene embodies chaotic violence, representing the self-destructive nature of corruption. Blake uses the dense detail inherent in the engraving medium to heighten the drama, capturing the frantic energy of the fallen figures trapped in their infernal circle.
As a foundational element for reproductions, this copper plate is a significant artifact, revealing the exact matrix used to produce the finished prints circulated in the artist's era. The work resides in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., and offers valuable insight into the preparation and execution of Blake’s illustrations. Because the resulting prints of Blake’s works are widely accessible today, many impressions derived from such plates are often available in the public domain, allowing students and scholars worldwide to study the graphic methods of this visionary British artist.
Important: ArtBee makes no warranties about the copyright status of this artwork. To the best of our knowledge, based on information from the source museum, we believe this work is in the public domain.
You are responsible for determining the rights status and securing any permissions needed for your use. Copyright status may vary by jurisdiction. See our License & Usage page and Terms of Service for details.