The Circle of the Corrupt Officials; The Devils Tormenting Ciampolo

The Circle of the Corrupt Officials; The Devils Tormenting Ciampolo by William Blake; Harry Hoehn is a compelling work of British printmaking dating to 1827. This engraving is drawn from William Blake’s visionary series illustrating Dante Alighieri’s Inferno, specifically focusing on the canto concerning barratry, the sin of corruption committed by public officials. The scene depicts the brutal and violent torment inflicted upon the figure of Ciampolo by monstrous, winged devils in the fifth bolgia of the eighth circle of Hell.

While Blake created the initial design and etched the plate, the existing impression is classified as an engraving restrike, indicating that the print itself was produced or overseen later, potentially by Hoehn. This technical distinction places the piece firmly within the context of the 1826 to 1850 period, reflecting both Blake's late Romantic vision and the ongoing distribution of his influential designs via prints throughout the mid-nineteenth century.

The technique of engraving allows for sharp detail and high contrast, which Blake masterfully utilized to convey the chaotic energy and psychological horror of the infernal scene. The dense, agitated line work captures the terrifying speed and brutality of the devils, distinguishing this image as a powerful example of British cultural interpretation of classical literature. The piece demonstrates Blake's profound ability to translate complex theological and poetic ideas into raw visual drama, often surpassing simple illustration.

The Circle of the Corrupt Officials serves as an important document in the history of graphic arts and literature. The composition provides valuable insight into the visionary style employed by Blake in his final years. This significant work, available for study in the public domain, is part of the extensive collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., where it is cataloged within the museum’s Prints collection.