Paolo and Francesca c. 19th century

William B. Closson created this image of Paolo and Francesca using engraving, a printmaking technique, most likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. The image depicts a tragic scene drawn from Dante's Inferno, illustrating the illicit love affair between Francesca da Rimini and Paolo Malatesta. Their story, set against the backdrop of arranged marriages and patriarchal power, became a potent symbol for romantic love defying societal norms. Closson's choice to portray this tale speaks volumes about the Victorian era’s fascination with both morality and forbidden passions. The print captures the lovers in a tender embrace, even in death, thus romanticizing their defiance of social conventions. It challenges us to consider how love and desire can be both a source of profound connection and societal disruption. Ultimately, the artwork invites us to reflect on the constraints of societal expectations, particularly on women, and the timeless human struggle between duty and desire.