See The 16th Century Divine Comedy Illustrations Exhibited For The First Time | Alternative Fruit

It's a huge milestone for Dante Alighieri as this year marks 700 years since his death. The master poet who wrote the famous Divine Comedy has inspired writers and artists ever since. The infamous Inferno has seared its imagery in all our minds. Although Dante's work didn't receive illustrations until the 265 years later, these remarkable and enchanting images showcase a truly spell-binding commentary to the epic. Possibly the prime example of an antiquarian inspiration from the continually provocative work, the entire collection is now on display for the first time.


Federico Zuccari was a celebrated Italian Renaissance artist. His sketches and paintings are renowned for their ethereal quality. As a master of words as well as the brush, Zuccari understood how Dante Alighieri helped to fashion the national language and a consensus towards their faith. By using his expert talent to enliven the story with true to description life-like imagery, Federico Zuccari is responsible for the modern telling of the illustrated tale. His style and imaginings have been the go-to source for today's more recognised illustrators of the tale, Gustave Dore and William Blake.


The 88 immaculately produced illustrations depict each of the three worlds described in the book. We are now able to witness the original documents that visually describe Inferno, Pugatorio, and Paradiso. The Uffizi Gallery is generously putting the whole collection online for everyone. The Gallery has been the home of this collection since the eighteenth century, when they were donated by the noble Medici family. Although displayed in part at rare occasions, never before has the Uffizi showcased the whole collection. These fragile works of Renaissance art are seldom moved because they become increasingly prone to damage with age.


Usually kept in light-free and temperature controlled storage, it's only twice before that a portion of the whole has been given a field-trip. Never before has the whole collection been shown and never before in one place. This is a really exciting opportunity to take a look at these stunning examples of Dante's legacy. You can visit the Uffizi Gallery online now and browse the exhibition for free. It's called To Rebehold The Stars.  
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