Dante and Virgil in Hell (1850)
by William-Adolphe Bouguereau
French, 1825–1905
William-Adolphe Bouguereau was a French academic painter known for his realistic genre paintings and modern interpretations of classical subjects, particularly emphasizing the female body.
“Dante and Virgil in Hell” is a compelling work which draws inspiration from Dante Alighieri’s “The Divine Comedy,” specifically the “Inferno” section, where Dante, guided by the Roman poet Virgil, traverses the circles of Hell. In this particular scene, Bouguereau captures the moment in the eighth circle, designated for the sin of Fraud. Here, Dante and Virgil witness a violent struggle between two damned souls: Capocchio, an alchemist and heretic, and Gianni Schicchi, who infamously impersonated Buoso Donati to fraudulently claim his inheritance.
Bouguereau’s portrayal is vivid and dramatic, emphasizing the physicality and intensity of the combatants. The artist’s mastery of realism is evident in the precise brush strokes and the meticulous rendering of muscles, nerves, and tendons, which bring the scene to life with a sense of terribilita and horror. This work diverges from Bouguereau’s typical focus on serene and idealized female figures, showcasing his versatility and ability to explore darker themes with the same technical prowess.
Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging