Canto XV. Circle 7 (Round 3) / The Violent Against Nature c. 15th century

Curator: This is an anonymous print titled "Canto XV. Circle 7 (Round 3) / The Violent Against Nature" from an unknown date. It resides at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It looks bleak, almost ghostly. The figures are stark against the chaotic background, like they're trapped in a nightmare. Curator: Indeed. The print depicts a scene from Dante's Inferno, specifically the circle of the violent against nature, a realm of suffering and punishment. We can examine how the visual depiction intersects with broader narratives of morality and divine justice. Editor: I see that. It feels like a desolate, fiery wasteland. The lines are so rough, creating a sense of unease, like something terrible is happening. There's so little detail, and yet, it conveys such strong emotion. Curator: The lack of detail and the starkness of the lines emphasize the horror and moral decay of this particular circle of hell. It invites us to reflect on historical attitudes towards those deemed "violent against nature". Editor: It definitely makes you think. About morality, about suffering, and about how we judge others. It's a powerful image, even with its simplicity. Curator: Yes, an early example of how art visually grapples with complex theological and social issues. Editor: I’ll be thinking about this one. It sticks with you.