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

The Circle of the Thieves; Agnolo Brunelleschi Attacked by a Six-Footed Serpent is an engraving created by William Blake in 1827, the year of his death. It is a print that showcases Blake's skill as a printmaker and his ability to convey complex, symbolic scenes.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts a chaotic scene with five figures and a monstrous, six-legged creature. The creature attacks a central figure, while others around it react with fear or supplication. The imagery is dense with symbolism, drawing on Blake's characteristic blend of narrative and allegory.

Technique & Style

Blake employed meticulous printmaking technique to create the engraving, using sharp lines and heavy shading to convey drama and intensity. The detailed rendering of the creature's scales and the figures' expressions demonstrates his skill as a draftsman.