Canto XXIX. The Earthly Paradise; The Banks of Lethe; The Heavenly Pageant c. 15th century

Curator: Here we have an intriguing, undated woodcut currently held at the Harvard Art Museums, titled "Canto XXIX. The Earthly Paradise; The Banks of Lethe; The Heavenly Pageant." It's unattributed, adding to its mystery. Editor: My immediate impression is one of layered narrative. The figures, the landscape, the text—they all seem to exist on different planes, creating a rather dreamlike, if somewhat stark, visual experience. Curator: Precisely. The print accompanies Canto XXIX of Dante's Purgatorio, depicting Dante's arrival in the Earthly Paradise. Visually, we see the banks of the River Lethe and a procession of figures, key elements of Dante's allegorical journey. Editor: What strikes me is the almost blocky nature of the figures, and the deliberate contrast of the light and dark textures used. There's a real emphasis on the labor and process of printmaking here, highlighting the material world. Curator: And those figures—notice their attire, their postures. They aren't merely illustrations; they represent virtues, divine qualities, embodying the socio-political and religious ideals prevalent during the period. Editor: Seeing the world through a material lens always roots my understanding. But with your knowledge, it helps appreciate its layered meanings. Curator: And understanding the historical context reveals the artist's intention to visualize abstract concepts, making them accessible and engaging for a contemporary audience. Editor: Indeed. It's a nice convergence of form and content.