The Circle of the Thieves; Buoso Donati Attacked by the Serpent

William Blake (artist); Harry Hoehn (printer)

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of four figures in a surreal landscape. The scene depicts two clothed figures on the left, an unclothed figure in the center, and another unclothed figure on the right. There are swirling clouds above, and an elongated dragon-like creature emanating smoke from its mouth towards the central figures. The background features stylized, pointed shapes suggesting a rocky or mountainous terrain. The lines are finely detailed, creating texture and depth in the figures and the landscape.