Dante: Divina Commedia

The picture shows the frontispiece to Purgatory from Federigo Montefeltre’s personal hand-written and illuminated copy of Dante’s Divine Comedy. The manuscript was written by Matteo de’ Congugi of Volterra, it was left incomplete at the Duke’s death in 1482.

The main scene, showing Dante and his guide Vergil meeting with Cato, is fframed within a pilastered niche which is itself enclosed within columns on high pedestals. The three small scenes are Dante Bathing his Hands in the Dew of the Meadow; Vergil Wiping Away the Tears from his Face; and Vergil and Dante on the Shore with the Mountain of Purgatory. The Duke’s arms and other symbols and mottos play a major role in the decorative scheme; note especially the angled arms held by an eagle above the large illustration.