Canto XIV. The Ascent to the Fifth Sphere: Mars; The Third Garland of Souls; The Warriors of God; The Celestial Cross c. 15th century

Curator: Look at this, Editor. It's a woodcut depicting "Canto XIV. The Ascent to the Fifth Sphere: Mars; The Third Garland of Souls; The Warriors of God; The Celestial Cross," by an anonymous artist. There's no date. Editor: My first impression is that this is a rather somber piece, despite its celestial subject. The figures appear rigid, almost militaristic, perhaps evoking a sense of duty or sacrifice. Curator: The social context of production interests me most. This piece was likely made during a period when printed imagery was becoming increasingly accessible. How might its distribution have shaped perceptions of the divine? Editor: I'm struck by how the image translates Dante’s complex vision. The celestial cross formed by the warriors is stark, yet the ascending figures introduce a dynamic element, suggesting spiritual progress. Curator: Indeed, the materiality of the woodcut itself speaks to a broader process of democratization. It democratizes art and knowledge. It challenges ideas about craft, labor, and consumption. Editor: It's a fascinating intersection of faith, politics, and art. Curator: Precisely, a convergence of factors that shaped not only its creation but also its reception.