Dante and Virgil in the Skiff of Phlegyas are Hailed by Filippo Argenti (from Dante's "Divine Comedy"); verso: sketch for "The Six-Footed Serpent Attacking Agnolo Brunelleschi"(?) 1824 - 1827

Curator: William Blake’s watercolor work depicts Dante and Virgil in the Skiff of Phlegyas being hailed by Filippo Argenti, an illustration inspired by Dante’s Inferno. Editor: The muted grays and blues create such a bleak, unsettling atmosphere. The frenzied figure emerging from the water adds a stark note of anxiety against the stoic figures in the boat. Curator: Blake's use of watercolor is fascinating here, using thin washes to create a sense of spectral presence and the shifting boundaries between the physical and spiritual realms. It’s a scene of divine justice. Editor: You can certainly see the thematic contrast there, with the dynamism and emotion of Argenti set against the cold detachment of Dante and Virgil. The stark, minimalist style also reflects the bleakness of the narrative. Curator: Consider, too, that the figure of Filippo Argenti might represent the sin of wrath, a destructive force within the human soul. Blake uses Dante's imagery to explore deeper psychological truths. Editor: It’s an intriguing interpretation. Ultimately, the starkness and lack of detail truly amplify its emotional power. Curator: Indeed, Blake’s work invites us to contemplate the complexities of the human condition and the enduring power of symbolic imagery.