Artwork

The Circle of the Thieves; Agnolo Brunelleschi Attacked by a Six-Footed Serpent

The Circle of the Thieves; Agnolo Brunelleschi Attacked by a Six-Footed Serpent 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, later restruck, is a work by William Blake, an English poet, painter, and printmaker. It is one of his final works, created in the last year of his life.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts a chaotic scene from Blake's imagination, featuring four human figures and a monstrous, six-legged serpent. The image is rich in symbolism, reflecting Blake's affinity for visionary themes.

Technique & Style

The engraving showcases Blake's skillful use of sharp lines and heavy shading to create a sense of terror. The contrast between the humans' fearful expressions and the detailed, textured scales of the monster draws the viewer's attention to the creature.

Context

The work is characteristic of Blake's oeuvre, which often explored imaginative and symbolic subjects. As a printmaker associated with the Romantic Age, Blake's style and themes were influenced by the artistic and literary currents of his time.