076 Purgatory – Dante with Virgil and Sordello, and a serpent being beaten off by two angels Divina Commedia (1444-1450)

The composition presents a scene unfolding within a rugged, mountainous landscape under a deep blue sky studded with stars. A group of figures dominates the foreground, arranged in a complex interplay of gestures and expressions that suggest both penitence and interaction. To the left stands a figure clad in a vibrant blue robe, his posture conveying authority or perhaps guidance. He is positioned near several other men, some draped in pink garments while others appear to be unclothed, their faces marked with an expression of sorrow or introspection.
The arrangement of these figures suggests a hierarchical structure; they seem to be engaged in a ritualistic process, possibly related to purification or atonement. The bare bodies and somber expressions contribute to the overall atmosphere of regret and spiritual struggle. A sense of confinement is established by the rocky terrain that surrounds them, visually limiting their space and reinforcing the idea of a journey through hardship.
On the right side of the scene, two winged figures – presumably angels – actively engage in repelling a serpentine form. The angels’ dynamic poses and forceful gestures convey a sense of divine intervention and protection against an insidious force. Their garments are rendered with intricate detail, highlighting their ethereal nature. The serpent itself is depicted as writhing, suggesting resistance to the angelic power.
The color palette is striking: the deep blues of the sky contrast sharply with the pinks and browns of the figures and landscape, creating a visual tension that mirrors the emotional complexity of the scene. Gold leaf accents frame the composition, adding an element of preciousness and emphasizing its symbolic significance. The artist’s meticulous attention to detail in rendering facial expressions and drapery suggests a desire to convey not only the narrative but also the psychological states of the individuals involved.
Subtly, the image hints at themes of sin, redemption, and divine grace. The presence of the serpent alludes to temptation and corruption, while the angels’ intervention signifies hope for deliverance. The group of men undergoing some form of penance suggests a process of spiritual cleansing, guided by a figure who embodies wisdom or authority. Overall, the work conveys a profound sense of moral reckoning and the arduous path toward spiritual purification.