The Circle of the Falsifiers: Dante and Virgil Covering their Noses because of the stench
1827
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1827
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This engraving shows a rocky, chaotic scene with two figures standing on a cliff. Below them, a group of people lies sprawled on the ground, some covering their faces. The sky is dark and swirling, while the land looks jagged and uneven. One figure on the cliff holds a scroll or book. The artist used fine lines and shading to create depth, especially in the rocky cliffs and swirling clouds. The people below seem to be reacting to something unpleasant, possibly a stench or bad air. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like Blake used this technique to create detailed, dramatic scenes.
