Ugolino and His Sons (detail) 1865

Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux sculpted this marble bust, Ugolino and His Sons, in the 19th century, during a time of great social upheaval and political change in France. The sculpture depicts a scene from Dante’s Inferno, in which Count Ugolino della Gherardesca is imprisoned with his sons and grandsons, ultimately facing starvation. Carpeaux captures Ugolino’s torment, his face contorted in anguish, his hands clutching at his face in a desperate attempt to hold onto his sanity. This sculpture speaks to themes of power, betrayal, and the extremes of human suffering. The artist invites us to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and the depths of despair that individuals can reach when faced with unimaginable circumstances. Carpeaux's work does not merely illustrate a historical narrative; it delves into the psychological and emotional states of its subjects. It compels us to empathize with Ugolino's plight, challenging us to consider the complex interplay between personal tragedy and broader social injustices.