Dante and Virgil at the Entrance to Hell 1858

"Dante and Virgil at the Entrance to Hell" is an 1858 painting by Edgar Degas that depicts the famous literary figures from Dante's "Inferno" at the entrance to hell. The work is known for its dark and moody atmosphere, with the figures of Dante and Virgil shrouded in shadows and the entrance to hell looming in the background. Degas, known for his later work in Impressionism, demonstrated an interest in the human form, and the painting reflects this through the detailed rendering of the figures. The work is a testament to Degas' early fascination with literature and his ability to translate a literary scene onto the canvas.