The Circle of the Lustful: Paolo and Francesca

William Blake (artist); Harry Hoehn (printer)

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing featuring swirling human forms and celestial imagery. The image includes a large spiral or vortex composed of numerous human figures in various poses, some entwined with each other. These figures seem to be flowing or rising within the spiral. Above the spiral is a radiant circular light source, with an additional smaller figure inside. On the right side, a lone figure appears to be observing the scene, standing near a lifeless body on the ground. The detailed line work gives the drawing an ethereal and dreamlike quality.