As I look back on my posts since my previous reflection, I have becomes more comfortable with fully analyzing images related to our readings. Prior to this, I would give a brief summary of our readings for the week. As I look at every element of the images, rather than just the obvious action, I was able to find small details I have not noticed before. In my 7th post, I chose to use two images, one for Dante and Virgil’s encounter with Satan, and another when they finally reach purgatory. I was still focusing on the narrative rather than truly analyzing the details of the images, which tells us a story of its own. After the met visit and answering the questions given, I learned to view art in a different perspective rather than seeing what’s on the surface. In post 8, I chose an image related to Dante finally meeting Beatrice again in Purgatory. In that post I briefly mentioned the fated meeting, and paid close attention to how the artist, John Flaxman, chose to depict the moving scene. Rather than just mentioning what was stated in the canto about Dante crying over the disappearance of Virgil, I also acknowledged Beatrice’s stance, and the figures in the background. I was able to understand that every aspect of the image contributes to how to artist chose to portray the scene. Although I have become more comfortable with analyzing, I still have difficulties grasping Dante’s symbolism for what he is telling us in his poetry.
Author Archives: Lucinda Wong
Post 8
Beatrice chastizes Dante for crying over disappearance of Virgil by: Flaxman, John
Source: The World of Dante
Beatrice has finally arrived, in the most grandiose manner, appearing from “within a cloud of flowers that from the hands of angels” (Canto 30, 28-29). Dante trembles with emotions of love as he finally gets to see her after his long journey. As Dante turns to Virgil for comfort, he finds that his guide has disappeared. Overcome with sadness, Dante begins to cry. Seeing this, Beatrice tells our traveler to stop crying, because here is where mankind is happy. Although I can see where Beatrice is coming from, I do not see any wrong in Dante expressing very natural emotions of losing a well trusted friend who had guided him through literal hell. In the image depicted above, we can see Dante on his knees, with one hand on his face wiping his tears as Beatrice stands above him. We see figures in the background, who all seem to be frolicking and having the time of their lives. They seem very happy, like Beatrice tells Dante to be too. Their emotions are drastically different from how Dante feels due to the disappearance of Virgil. Beatrice’s posture is very straight poised, depicting her as “regal and haughty” (Canto 30, line 70) like described in the canto. She does not bend over to comfort Dante. Instead, she stands looking at him from above. Her treatment towards Dante was slightly surprising because in Inferno she seemed very gentle and empathetic, leaving heaven to find a guide just for him. She later tells angels that Dante has strayed from his path in life after her death, and in Canto 31, we learn that he had been lustful and tempted by others. Beatrice is disappointed in Dante, and her attitude towards him is understandable.
