Illustration of “Charon Ferrying the Damned” by Gustave Dore

(Blog Post 1 make-up)

This work created by Gustave Dore which depicts Charon Ferrying the Damned has elements very similar to how Dante describes the scene in canto 3 of Inferno. In the work, we can easily see Charon as the figure with the oar which is how Dante has described him. Dante introduces this figure in Inferno as, “Charon the demon, with eyes like glowing coals, making signs to them, gathers them all in; he beats with his oar whoever lingers” (Inferno, 109-111). The work also shows Charon swinging back the oar as if he is about to whack the damned who are trying to squeeze themselves onto the boat. We can also tell that he might be close to striking the souls by the way the figure just behind Charon cowers and shrinks back in fear.

Another element of this work that is depicted similarly to how Dante describes it is the congregation of the damned souls. Dante describes the souls as, “… all of them together, weeping loudly, drew near the evil shore that awaits each one who does not fear God” (Inferno 3, 106-108). The pain and distress is depicted in work through the positioning of the bodies. Some reach up and out while other are stretched out in a helpless manner and other have their heads in their hands. When describing this scene Dante also mentions, “… over here again a new flock gathers” (Inferno 3, 119-120). This also depicted in the work with the group of souls just behind Charon and the congregation of souls we can faintly see in the background on the mountain side who will journey to the same fate. Through these elements it can be determined that Gustave Dore accurately depicted what Dante describes upon reaching the Acheron.

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