The Circle of Corrupt Officials: The Devils Mauling Each Other 1820 - 1832

"The Circle of Corrupt Officials: The Devils Mauling Each Other" is a dramatic engraving by William Blake, created between 1820 and 1832. The artwork depicts a chaotic scene of two fallen angels engaged in a violent struggle over a swirling, turbulent sea, as witnessed by a line of spectral figures in the background. This piece is a stark commentary on the corrupt officials of Blake’s time and their self-destructive actions, showcasing the artist’s powerful imagination and allegorical approach to social critique. The work, now located in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to Blake’s prolific career and the lasting power of his art to engage and challenge viewers.