Canto XII. The First Cornice / The Proud; The Rein of Pride; The Sculptures on the Pavement, Depicting Examples of Pride; The Angel of Humility c. 15th century

Editor: This is "Canto XII. The First Cornice / The Proud" by an anonymous artist. It appears to be a woodcut illustration, maybe for a book? The figures seem really stiff and formal. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This image presents a fascinating study in the visual language of humility and pride. Notice how the figures are arranged in distinct registers. What emotions do you think the artist is trying to evoke through these contrasts? Editor: I see the figures on top seem almost serene, while those below are contorted and suffering. Is that meant to represent the consequences of pride? Curator: Precisely. Consider the cultural memory embedded in these depictions. In this era, pride wasn't just vanity; it was defiance of divine order. The artist uses these figures to convey a powerful moral lesson. Editor: It’s interesting how the imagery reinforces the text and the themes. I didn't realize how much cultural context could be packed into a single illustration. Curator: Indeed. By understanding the symbols and their historical context, we gain a deeper appreciation for the emotional and intellectual world of the past.