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William Blake's Divine Comedy Illustrations
102 Full-Color Plates
William Blake
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eBook - ePub
William Blake's Divine Comedy Illustrations
102 Full-Color Plates
William Blake
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About This Book
Dante's Divine Comedy captivated medieval readers, and each successive era remains spellbound by its sublime portraits of Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. In the early 19th century, one of England's great epic poets paid tribute to the Italian master's work. Gifted at both poetry and painting, William Blake transformed more than a hundred of Dante's visions into sketches, engravings, and brilliant watercolors. This collection features all of his distinctive interpretations of Dante's immortal trilogy.
Although Blake labored in poverty and obscurity all his life, he is recognized today as one of the preeminent artists and poets of the English-speaking world. An 1825 commission from patron John Linnell enabled him to focus on illustrating Dante's tales — the type of visionary work to which his talents were ideally suited. The artist spent the last three years of his life creating these images, which range from completely finished pieces to rough sketches. Blake's highly original approach offers not only an excellent introduction to Dante's allegorical tales, but also a new and fresh perspective for those already familiar with the Divine Comedy.
Although Blake labored in poverty and obscurity all his life, he is recognized today as one of the preeminent artists and poets of the English-speaking world. An 1825 commission from patron John Linnell enabled him to focus on illustrating Dante's tales — the type of visionary work to which his talents were ideally suited. The artist spent the last three years of his life creating these images, which range from completely finished pieces to rough sketches. Blake's highly original approach offers not only an excellent introduction to Dante's allegorical tales, but also a new and fresh perspective for those already familiar with the Divine Comedy.
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History of Medieval ArtThe Plates
PLATE 1
After entering the dark wood, Dante is pursued by a panther, a lion, and a she-wolf. They represent his vices: pleasure, pride, and avarice.
[Inferno, Canto 1, lines 1-90]
PLATE 2
Dante will be tested by God as he passes through Hell. The three beasts lurk below.
[Inferno, Canto 2, lines 59-69]
PLATE 3
Virgil, at the request of Beatrice, will assist Dante in his quest for divine wisdom.
[Inferno, Canto 2, lines 139-141]
PLATE 4
As he enters the gate of Hell, Dante reads
the inscription: āAll hope abandon,
ye who enter here.ā
[Inferno, Canto 3, lines 1-10]
PLATE 5
Dante and Virgil join the souls who suffered from apathy in life. Charonās boat will take them across the Acheron.
[Inferno, Canto 3, lines 32-40]
PLATE 6
Charon warns his passengers of the misery that awaits them.
[Inferno, Canto 3, lines 76ā84]
PLATE 7
Homer, symbol of classical culture, wields his sword.
[Inferno, Canto 4, lines 83-88]
PLATE 8
Dante and Virgil view the ancient poets Homer, Horace, Ovid, and Lucan, whose paganism denies them entrance to Heaven.
[Inferno, Canto 4, lines 89-95]
PLATE 9
Dante and Virgil encounter the vengeful judge Minos in the second circle of Hell.
[Inferno, Canto 5, lines 4-24]
PLATE 10
Dante has fainted upon hearing Francesca da Rimini tell of her passionate encounter with Paolo. The lustful are condemned to be forever caught up by winds.
[Inferno, Canto 5, lines 37-138]
PLATE 11
The gluttons, watched by the three-headed Cerberus, are subjected to foul weather in the third circle.
[Inferno, Canto 6, lines 12-35]
PLATE 12
The monstrous Cerberus pulls tormented souls from th...