Canto XX. The Fifth Cornice / The Avaricious; Hugh Capet c. 15th century

Curator: Let's turn our attention now to "Canto XX. The Fifth Cornice / The Avaricious; Hugh Capet," an intriguing engraving whose creator and date, sadly, remain unknown. Editor: It's quite stark, isn't it? A landscape populated with figures that seem trapped, almost pressed down by the density of the lines. Very claustrophobic. Curator: As you observed, the engraving depicts a scene from Dante's Purgatorio, specifically the Fifth Cornice where the avaricious are punished. Can you make out any symbolic elements that support such interpretation? Editor: Yes, their faces are tilted downwards, and they seem to be weeping, repeating the phrases of several saints. Their gaze is directed to the ground, embodying their earthly fixation and greed in life. Curator: It’s interesting how the anonymous artist chose to portray this particular canto. The emphasis on repentance through visible, performative suffering is particularly strong. Editor: Absolutely, it’s a powerful and cautionary image, reminding us of the psychological weight our choices carry, even beyond our earthly existence. I find it especially poignant, considering the timeless themes of avarice and redemption.