Canto XXXII. The Tenth Sphere: The Empyrean; Saint Bernard; The Virgin Mary; The Thrones of the Blessed c. 15th century

Editor: Here we have "Canto XXXII. The Tenth Sphere" from Paradiso, an anonymous work. I’m struck by the figures floating above a sea of faces... How do we make sense of this composition? Curator: Considering its historical context, this image reflects the socio-political structures of its time. How does the positioning of these figures suggest a hierarchy, and what does this say about the public role of religious imagery then? Editor: It seems to represent the heavenly hierarchy, with the Virgin Mary elevated. Curator: Precisely. Note how the artist uses visual cues to reinforce this power dynamic. And what about the "sea of faces" below? How does their depiction contribute to your understanding of the artwork’s message? Editor: I see them almost as a collective, gazing up in admiration or supplication. Curator: Interesting. The artist is using imagery to convey specific political and social messages, highlighting how art shapes public perception. Have your views on the artwork evolved during our conversation? Editor: Yes, understanding the historical and social context has really deepened my appreciation for this.