Artwork

The Circle of the Corrupt Officials; the Devils Tormenting Ciampolo

The Circle of the Corrupt Officials; the Devils Tormenting Ciampolo is an ink print by the Romanticist artist William Blake. It dates from 1827 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Circle of the Corrupt Officials; the Devils Tormenting Ciampolo is an 1827 engraving by William Blake, characteristic of his later work. Created in London, it exemplifies his symbolically rich visual style.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts a dramatic scene of moral conflict, with a corrupt official and a tormenting devil, reflecting Blake's recurring theme of moral corruption in his prophetic works.

Technique & Style

The work showcases Blake's meticulous engraving skills, utilizing cross-hatching to achieve detailed texture and depth, contributing to an overall mood of tension and conflict.

History & Provenance

Produced in London, where Blake spent most of his life, the engraving remained part of his largely unrecognized body of work during his lifetime.

Context

This piece is associated with the Romanticism movement, which emphasized expressive and imaginative art, aligning with Blake's poetic and visual themes.

Legacy

While unrecognised in his time, the engraving now represents Blake's innovative engagement with moral themes through symbolic and technically adept printmaking.