The Rain of Fire 1807

Curator: This is John Flaxman's "The Rain of Fire," part of his illustrations for Dante's Divine Comedy. The linearity is striking, isn't it? Editor: It is! The figures are so spare, almost skeletal, yet their poses convey such intense emotion. What do you see as the key formal elements at play here? Curator: The emphasis on line over volume flattens the space, directing our gaze along the contours of the bodies. Notice how Flaxman uses repetition of line to create a sense of movement, especially in the 'rain' itself. It's not just about illustrating a scene, but about using line to embody the torment. Editor: So, the starkness actually enhances the feeling of suffering? It's like the lack of detail amplifies the emotional impact. Curator: Precisely. By reducing the scene to its essential lines, Flaxman compels us to focus on the figures' gestures and expressions, intensifying their pain. Editor: I see it now. Thank you, I'm going to think differently about line from now on.