He placed us carefully on the bottom of the gorge where Lucifer and Judas are tortured Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

This is a dramatic illustration depicting a colossal, bearded figure carefully lowering two smaller human-sized figures into a dark, rocky chasm. The giant, with immense musculature and a weathered face, kneels on a rocky ledge, his gaze directed downwards. His immense hands cradle the two smaller figures, one of whom appears to be looking up towards the giant.

The scene is set in a desolate, mountainous environment, emphasized by the stark contrasts of light and shadow, and the jagged rock formations that frame the composition. A body of water, rendered with horizontal lines, sits at the bottom of the chasm, suggesting a further descent into darkness and despair.

Subtexts:

The title, He placed us carefully on the bottom of the gorge where Lucifer and Judas are tortured, directly references Dante Alighieris Inferno from the Divine Comedy. In this context, the colossal figure is Antaeus, a giant from Greek mythology in the 31st Canto of Inferno. Antaeus, although a pagan mythological figure, is depicted as aiding Dante and Virgil in their descent through Hell. He carries them across the final pit of ice to the point where Lucifer is impaled. The us in the title refers to Dante (the smaller figure in front, looking up) and his guide Virgil (the figure partially obscured by Dante).

The subtext highlights themes of:

• Scale and Power: The immense size of Antaeus compared to Dante and Virgil emphasizes the overwhelming and terrifying nature of Hell and its punishments.
• Guilt and Punishment: The destination is the deepest circle of Hell, where the ultimate betrayers, Lucifer and Judas Iscariot, are eternally tormented. This underscores the severity of sin and the concept of divine retribution.
• Aid and Guidance in the Face of Despair: Despite Antaeuss pagan origins and his dwelling in Hell, he provides assistance to the poets. This can be interpreted as divine providence or the idea that even in the darkest places, there can be an unexpected form of help or guidance.
• Betrayal: The very presence of Lucifer and Judas at the bottom of Hell signifies the profound and unforgivable nature of betrayal against God (Lucifer) and humanity (Judas).
• The Journey of the Soul: The illustration visually represents a pivotal and terrifying moment in the allegorical journey of the soul through sin and towards potential redemption, acknowledging the immense power that separates the purified soul from ultimate damnation.