Canto VI. Circle 3 / The Gluttons; The Icy Rain; Cerberus c. 15th century

Editor: This woodcut, "Canto VI. Circle 3 / The Gluttons; The Icy Rain; Cerberus," artist unknown, depicts a scene of chaos and suffering. The figures seem trapped in a downpour. What symbols or meanings do you see embedded within this imagery? Curator: The rain itself is a powerful symbol. It's not just water; it's "grandine grossa acqua tincta & neue"—hail, thick, tainted water, and snow. This adulteration signifies the perversion of natural order and the moral corruption of the gluttonous. Do you notice how it obscures and distorts the figures, rendering them almost animalistic? Editor: Yes, they seem almost unrecognizable, lost in the storm. The figures become symbolic of the loss of self due to excess. Curator: Precisely. And consider Cerberus, the monstrous dog. He embodies insatiable hunger, both physical and spiritual. He guards this circle, ensuring the gluttons remain in their state of perpetual discomfort, a constant reminder of their earthly sins. It's a chillingly effective visual metaphor. Editor: I see it now, the relentless rain and the insatiable Cerberus working together to symbolize a loss of control. Thanks for pointing out these symbols. Curator: My pleasure. It's fascinating how the artist used those images to convey the weight of Dante's words.