The Circle of the Lustful: Paolo and Francesca by William Blake and Harry Hoehn is a powerful engraving created in 1827, illustrating the dramatic second circle of Hell as described in Dante Alighieri’s Inferno, Canto V. The scene depicts Dante and his guide Virgil witnessing the tragic fate of the lovers Paolo Malatesta and Francesca da Rimini, who are perpetually swept by a relentless, violent storm for their sin of lust. This specific impression is cataloged as a restrike, taken before the copper plate was cleaned, a detail that offers valuable insight into the technical aspects of the British printmaking process during the period of 1826 to 1850.
The design originated with William Blake, who focused heavily on illustrating epic poetry during his final years, producing some of his most profound and complex visual interpretations of classical literature. The execution of this specific print by Hoehn ensures the continued circulation and study of Blake’s original vision. Such prints were essential for disseminating the artist’s unique brand of mystical symbolism and characteristic linear definition throughout British society and beyond. The work reflects the intense European Romantic interest in Dante’s epic, translating the poet’s metaphysical terror into a tangible, emotionally charged composition.
Classified strictly as a Print, this engraving is a significant document of British culture in the mid-19th century. The high demand for these illustrative works confirms the sustained commercial and academic interest in Blake’s distinctive style well past his death. This masterful depiction of suffering and passion is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it serves as a key reference point for studying both the history of illustration and the precise techniques utilized in engraving. As a historical artwork, high-quality images of this influential print are often available through public domain collections, allowing broader access to Blake's iconic oeuvre.
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