The Circle of the Lustful: Francesca da Rimini (‘The Whirlwind of Lovers’) Possibly 1826 - 1968

Editor: This is William Blake's "The Circle of the Lustful: Francesca da Rimini," it feels incredibly turbulent and full of anguish. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Blake’s illustration visualizes a powerful critique of societal repression of desire. The swirling vortex, composed of intertwined bodies, speaks to the ceaseless torment of those punished for their earthly passions, consider the dominant role the church played in defining morality during Blake's time. Editor: So, it's a rejection of those rigid moral boundaries? Curator: Precisely. Blake often challenged orthodox views, championing individual freedom and the power of imagination against oppressive norms. Notice how even in damnation, there is a desperate embrace, a clinging to connection. What does that suggest to you? Editor: That even in punishment, humanity yearns for love and connection. It's a powerful statement about the complexities of desire and societal control. Curator: Indeed. Blake compels us to question the very foundations upon which we judge and condemn.