Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Divina Commedia
Italy, Florence, 1345-1355
MS M.676 fol. 22r

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Divina Commedia, Inferno: Scene, Punishment of Suicides and Profligate -- At left are three dogs, each carrying part of scattered body of soul of squanderer. To right is Virgil, standing beside Dante, wearing hat, breaking off branch from tree, representing soul of someone who committed suicide, which bleeds from the wound. Perched in that and other trees are Harpies, tearing the leaves and branches. Virgil and Dante are shown again further right, gesturing to nude soul of squanderer, being set upon by three dogs.