Inferno Canto 4 

Gustave Doré, in this dramatic engraving, visualizes the reunion of great poets in Dante's Inferno. The group—a gathering of intellectual luminaries—is placed in the first circle of Hell. Note how Virgil, in the center, extends his hand. This gesture is one of welcome, echoing countless ancient depictions of hospitality. But, here, the setting distorts the symbol: the promised refuge is, in fact, eternal confinement. It reminds us of the classical tradition of the ‘handshake’, a gesture meant to convey peace. Consider how such symbols persist. From ancient friezes to modern political gatherings, the handshake carries a promise—or a deception. This image reminds us that symbols are never fixed; they are fluid, adapting to new contexts, embodying new meanings as they traverse time. The collective memory of such gestures shapes our understanding, subtly influencing how we perceive them across history and art. The power of these symbols lies in their capacity to resonate subconsciously, engaging us on a primal level.