Artwork

The Circle of the Falsifiers: Dante and Virgil Covering their Noses because of the st

The Circle of the Falsifiers: Dante and Virgil Covering their Noses because of the st 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

This 1827 engraving, 'The Circle of the Falsifiers: Dante and Virgil Covering their Noses because of the stench', is a print by William Blake, an English poet, painter, and printmaker. It illustrates a scene from Dante's Inferno.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts Dante and Virgil standing on a rocky cliff, shielding their noses from the foul odor emanating from the 'Circle of the Falsifiers', a group of suffering figures below.

Technique & Style

Blake's engraving is characterized by fine lines that convey texture and emotion, reflecting his symbolic and visually rich approach to illustrating literary subjects.

Context

The work is part of Blake's broader 'prophetic' output, showcasing his imaginative and interpretive style, typical of Romantic-era visual art and poetry.