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The Divine Comedy. Dante and Virgil in Purgatory. Folio 177
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The Divine Comedy. Dante and Virgil in Purgatory. Folio 177
The Divine Comedy. Poem by Dante Alighieri (1265-1321). Miniature depicting Dante and Virgil in Purgatory. Folio 177 r. 1480-1482. Painted by Guglielmo Giraldi (active 1445-1490). Vatican Apostolic Library. Vatican City
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Media ID 14333160
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13th 1480 1482 Alighieri Apostolic Chant Comedy Commedia Dante Divina Divine Folio Guglielmo Illuminated Letters Manuscript Poem Poetry Purgatory Renaissance Vatican Virgil 14th 15th Gulielmus Vergil
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Folio 177r of the Vatican Apostolic Library's manuscript of Dante Alighieri's "The Divine Comedy" presents a stunning miniature painting depicting the poet Dante and his Virgilian guide traversing the terraces of Purgatory. Dated between 1480 and 1482, this masterpiece was painted by the renowned Italian artist Guglielmo Giraldi, active between 1445 and 1490. The image showcases Dante and Virgil in the midst of the purifying process, surrounded by a multitude of figures clad in white, ascending the terraces. These figures represent the penitent souls, cleansing themselves of their earthly sins in preparation for entry into Heaven. The poem's Xth Canto, "Purgatorio," describes the journey through Purgatory, where the souls undergo purification through suffering. Dante, guided by the ancient Roman poet Virgil, ascends Mount Purgatory, passing through the seven terraces, each corresponding to a specific sin. In this painting, Dante and Virgil are shown on the second terrace, the Terrace of Pride, where souls purge themselves of their arrogance and vanity. The intricate details of the painting reveal the depth of the artists' understanding of the text and the rich symbolism of Dante's work. The letters inscribed on the banner held by Dante, "Abandon all hope, ye who enter here," are a reference to the inscription at the entrance to Hell in the Inferno. This detail highlights the continuity of the journey through the three realms of the afterlife: Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. Giraldi's masterful use of color, perspective, and detail in this miniature painting underscores the significance of Dante's "Divine Comedy" as a seminal work of the Italian Middle Ages and a cornerstone of Western literature. This exquisite image invites us to explore the depths of Dante's poetic vision and the enduring influence of his work on the artistic and literary traditions of Europe.
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