The Circle of the Lustful: Paolo and Francesca. Inferno, canto V c. 1827 - 1892

William Blake created this watercolor drawing illustrating Dante’s Inferno, canto V, in England around the turn of the 19th century. Blake was deeply interested in social reform, and his art frequently challenged the dominant social and artistic norms of his time. Here, Blake visualizes Dante’s vision of hell, a dramatic departure from traditional religious art. The swirling vortex of naked bodies captures the torment of those punished for their lust. Blake uses the epic poem to critique the rigid social mores of his era, specifically those surrounding sexuality and desire. The contorted figures and turbulent composition emphasize the destructive consequences of unchecked passion, but also suggest the repressive forces at play in society. To fully understand Blake's vision, we can consult his other illuminated books and engravings, as well as period writings on social reform and religious dissent. The meaning of art changes over time and our understanding of it depends on the social and institutional contexts in which it was made.