Art, Symbol & Imagination
The souls write in the sky
Several sweeping ranks of winged figures curve across the sky around two distant observers. The nearest company raises arms and wings in a broad arc. The printed lines describe holy creatures making the letters D, I and L in the air. The sphere of Jupiter begins with a vision of justice written through coordinated movement. Doré represents that act with living curves, keeping the multitude visible rather than reducing the scene to detached lettering.
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Citation
Gustave Doré (design). "The souls write in the sky" [editorial title]. In Purgatory and Paradise: The Vision of Dante, Dante Alighieri; translated by Henry Francis Cary; illustrated by Gustave Doré. New edition, 1901, 1901, Thompson & Thomas. Source scan leaf 287. Lumitheca. /gallery/image/dante-dore-286
Source details
Editorial title and description. Source details from the Library catalogue.
Source plate inspected individually; printed canto and lines checked independently of binding position. Editorial title; original scan tone retained.
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From the book
Purgatory and Paradise: The Vision of DanteDante Alighieri; translated by Henry Francis Cary; illustrated by Gustave Doré1901More from this book
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Gustave Doré (design). The souls write in the sky. Purgatory and Paradise: The Vision of Dante. Scan leaf 287. Lumitheca. https://lumitheca.com/gallery/image/dante-dore-286