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 a 1827 engraving by William Blake, created in the final years of his life. It is a representative work of Blake's later graphic output, showcasing his unique blend of literary and visual elements.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a man, identified as Ciampolo, being tormented by four winged demons. The scene conveys intense emotional turmoil, with the man's contorted face and outstretched arms suggesting a desperate struggle. The title implies a narrative context, but the artwork's focus is on the raw emotion of the scene.
Technique & Style
Blake employed cross-hatching, a technique involving closely spaced parallel lines, to create deep shadows and textured surfaces. This approach lends the figures a sense of three-dimensionality, underscoring the drama of the scene. The use of engraving allowed Blake to achieve a high level of detail and expressiveness in his work.
Artist & collection
Artist
William Blake (28 November 1757 – 12 August 1827) was an English poet, painter and printmaker.
The Circle of the Corrupt Officials; the Devils Tormenting Ciampolo
The Circle of the Corrupt Officials; the Devils Tormenting Ciampolo
The Circle of the Corrupt Officials; the Devils Tormenting Ciampolo
The Circle of the Corrupt Officials; The Devils Tormenting Ciampolo
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The Circle of the Thieves; Buoso Donati Attacked by the Serpent
The Circle of the Thieves; Buoso Donati Attacked by the Serpent
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The Circle of the Corrupt Officials; the Devils Mauling Each Other
The Circle of the Traitors; Dante's Foot Striking Bocca degli Abbate