William Blake - William Blakes Divine Comedy Illustrations: 102 Full-Color 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: All hope abandon,
ye who enter here.

[ Inferno, Canto 3, lines 1-10]

PLATE 5

Dante and Virgil join the souls who suffered from apathy in life. Charons 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 7684]

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 the water.

[ Inferno , Canto 6, lines 12-35]

PLATE 13

As Dante looks on, Virgil feeds handfuls of earth to Cerberus.

[ Inferno , Canto 6, lines 12-35]

PLATE 14

Pluto rules the fourth circle of Hell, where greed is represented by a money bag.

[ Inferno , Canto 7, lines 7-15]

PLATE 15

In the fourth circle, Dante asks Virgil to explain the influence of Fortune on humans.

[ Inferno , Canto 7, lines 22-96]

PLATE 16

Anger has felled the sinners whom Dante and Virgil observe in the Stygian lake.

[ Inferno , Canto 7, lines 110-127]

PLATE 17

Dante and Virgil are prepared to cross the Stygian lake with Phlegyas, who will ferry them to the city of Dis.

[ Inferno , Canto 7, lines 128-134]

PLATE 18

Virgil forces the arrogant Filippo Argenti back into the Stygian lake.

[ Inferno , Canto 8, lines 30-64]

PLATE 19

A whirlwind carries damned souls to the city of Dis.

The angel is seen crossing the lake at the left.

[ Inferno , Canto 8, lines 65-73]

PLATE 20

The angel conquers the gate of Disand the three Furies who appear above itenabling Dante and Virgil to enter.

[ Inferno , Canto 9, lines 44-64]

PLATE 21

Dante, surrounded by flames and open tombs, speaks with Farinata degli Uberti.

[ Inferno , Canto 10, lines 23-70]

PLATE 22

Blakes roughly drawn diagram depicts the nine circles of Hell.