Canto VII. Circle 4 / The Hoarders and the Wasters; Circle 5 - The Wrathful and the Sullen c. 15th century

Editor: This is an illustration from an early edition of Dante's Inferno, depicting Canto VII, focusing on the circles of the Hoarders and Wasters, and the Wrathful and Sullen. It’s so small and intricate. What kind of impact would this image have had at the time? Curator: As a historian, I look at the social context. This image would have been incredibly powerful because illustrated editions made complex texts accessible to a wider audience. The vivid depiction of sinners suffering reinforces the moral lessons of the poem. Editor: So it’s more than just art; it’s about public instruction? Curator: Precisely! It's visual propaganda, shaping public understanding of sin, punishment, and the established social order. How do you think this artwork challenges or reinforces existing ideas? Editor: I guess it depends on who was looking at it and their beliefs, but it definitely gives you something to think about. Curator: Exactly!