The Circle of the Lustful: Paolo and Francesca

The Circle of the Lustful: Paolo and Francesca, created by William Blake in 1827, is a profound example of the artist's late engagement with classical literature. This illustration, executed as an engraved copper plate, stems from Blake’s ambitious, though ultimately incomplete, series of commissions illustrating Dante’s Divine Comedy. Produced during the period of 1826 to 1850, this work reflects the powerful imaginative scope of British Romanticism and the enduring influence of visionary art traditions in the nineteenth century.

The subject is drawn from Canto V of Dante's Inferno, depicting the tragic lovers Paolo and Francesca da Rimini, who reside in the second circle of Hell reserved for the lustful. They are perpetually swept about by a relentless, infernal wind. Blake’s masterful technical material transforms the copper plate into a dense, energetic field of lines, emphasizing the chaotic and tormenting nature of the lovers' environment. The precision required for the engraving process allows Blake to combine ethereal, spiritual forms with robust human figures, characteristic of his unique drawing style, highlighting the eternal tragedy of the narrative.

Blake worked on the Dante illustrations until his death, leaving many plates unfinished. This specific piece demonstrates his unwavering commitment to rendering spiritual drama through meticulous craftsmanship, solidifying his reputation as one of the most original British artists of his time. The surviving prints and plates from this series are highly valued resources for studying the artist’s final years. This significant work is held within the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to its historical importance and the era of its creation, high-quality images of this work are often found available through public domain art initiatives, allowing wider public access to Blake's powerful graphic vision.