Canto X. Ascent to the Fourth Sphere: The Sun ; Doctors of the Church (The Spirits of the Theologians and Fathers of the Church); The First Garland of Souls; Thomas Acquinas c. 15th century

Curator: Here we have an early print, titled "Canto X. Ascent to the Fourth Sphere: The Sun; Doctors of the Church," presenting a scene from Dante's "Paradiso." It's an anonymous piece, housed right here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My initial impression? The composition feels both reverent and surprisingly earthy, almost like a detailed map, despite its spiritual subject matter. Curator: Precisely. The artist uses line work to depict Dante's ascent, focusing on the spirits of theologians like Thomas Aquinas. Notice how the printing process emphasizes the figures' forms and the celestial sphere they inhabit. Editor: I am drawn to the materiality. The black ink pressed onto paper, the physical labor involved in creating these repeating images… It contrasts so starkly with the ethereal nature of the subject. How was this artwork circulated? Curator: These prints were often part of larger publications, making Dante's work accessible to a wider audience. It's fascinating to consider the intersection of spiritual enlightenment and the mechanics of book production. Editor: It certainly challenges the romantic notion of artistic creation. These kinds of prints underscore the collective effort needed to disseminate ideas. In effect, it’s a manufacturing process applied to enlightenment. Curator: It reveals the layers of meaning embedded in the artwork; the spiritual, the artistic, and the social, all intertwined in this relatively small piece of printed paper. Editor: Absolutely. It leaves me thinking about how materials shape our access to knowledge and spiritual experiences.