The Circle of the Corrupt Officials; the Devils Tormenting Ciampolo

The Circle of the Corrupt Officials; the Devils Tormenting Ciampolo, created in 1827, is a profound engraving stemming from the collaborative efforts of William Blake and Harry Hoehn. This specific impression is categorized as a restrike, a print based on Blake's original design for his ambitious final project: illustrations for Dante Alighieri’s Inferno. This print exemplifies the highly personalized style of British Romanticism during the period of 1826 to 1850.

The scene depicts a dramatic and complex moment within the Eighth Circle of Hell, where the corrupt official Ciampolo is interrogated and seized by demonic figures known as the Malebranche. Blake’s characteristic emphasis on muscular, tortured forms and chaotic, energetic composition lends immense spiritual and psychological intensity to the depiction of divine punishment. The composition is defined by the meticulous cross-hatching and strong, defined contours essential to the engraving technique, underscoring the detailed draftsmanship employed by Blake. The dense network of lines and deep shadows enhances the narrative’s tension, reflecting the darker, often apocalyptic aesthetics prevalent among influential British artists of the mid-19th century.

While the original copper plates were designed and partially executed by Blake shortly before his death, this restrike highlights the posthumous production and circulation of his visionary art. The technical skill applied by Hoehn in pulling this impression ensured the preservation and integrity of the original design. The enduring influence of this specific series of illustrations secured Blake’s place as one of the most important figures in British art history. This significant work is housed in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. The widespread availability of such fine prints, many of which have entered the public domain, continues to allow global audiences access to Blake's final monumental undertaking.