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The Circle of the Lustful: Paolo and Francesca, by William Blake, ink, 1827

The Circle of the Lustful: Paolo and Francesca

William Blake

1827

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Dominant colour

Overview

The Circle of the Lustful: Paolo and Francesca is a 1827 ink by William Blake, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?
William Blake
When & what style?
1827 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?
National Gallery of Art

About this work

This painting depicts a dramatic scene with two figures, Paolo and Francesca, at its center. The figures are surrounded by a swirling vortex of bodies, with a bright light shining down from above. In the foreground, the two main figures stand out against the dark background, their facial expressions conveying a sense of turmoil. The surrounding bodies appear to be trapped in a never-ending cycle, adding to the overall sense of chaos. The use of bold lines and shading creates a sense of depth and texture, drawing the viewer's eye into the heart of the scene. For more on this style, look up the Romanticism movement.

About the artist

Portrait of William Blake
Artist

William Blake

William Blake (28 November 1757 – 12 August 1827) was an English poet, painter and printmaker.

See the richer artist page

More by William Blake

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