Canto II. The Ascent to the Moon; Beatrice Explains the Markings on the Moon; Spirits who Failed in Their Monastic Vows c. 15th century

Curator: This image presents "Canto II. The Ascent to the Moon; Beatrice Explains the Markings on the Moon; Spirits who Failed in Their Monastic Vows," an anonymous piece, housed at Harvard Art Museums. It looks to me like a page out of a printed book. What strikes you about it? Editor: It feels like a dreamscape; there are figures in boats, under a sky full of stars and a strange moon. What's going on here? Curator: This is from Dante's *Paradiso*. We see Dante, guided by Beatrice, ascending towards the moon. The figures represent souls who broke their monastic vows. It’s a fascinating visualization of Dante’s journey through the heavens. What do you make of the composition? Editor: The text surrounding the illustration feels so integrated. The image is literally placed within the text, as if the words are part of the scene. Curator: Exactly! It’s a beautiful example of how text and image were combined in early printed books to create a holistic experience. It makes you wonder how readers back then perceived this blend of literature and visual art.