021 The seventh circle. Dante and Virgil encountering a centaur, and the centaur Nessus carrying Dante and Virgil on his back past the lake of boiling blood in which are submerged Attila and other tyrants Divina Commedia (1444-1450)

The scene unfolds within a landscape dominated by fiery hues and jagged rock formations, immediately establishing a sense of torment and desolation. A lake of crimson liquid occupies much of the lower portion of the composition; its surface is disturbed, suggesting violent motion and concealing submerged figures – presumably those condemned to this circle.
Two central figures, clad in flowing pink robes, advance through this harrowing terrain. One, presumably guiding the other, carries a staff, his posture conveying authority and purpose amidst the chaos. The second figure appears smaller, seemingly reliant on his companion for navigation. They are borne across the lake by a centaur – a creature combining human and equine features – whose muscular form is rendered with considerable detail. This centaur’s expression seems impassive, almost resigned to his role in this grim procession.
Flanking them are other figures, armed with bows and arrows, positioned on elevated ground. Their poses suggest vigilance and a readiness for action, though their expressions remain largely unreadable. The arrangement of these archers creates a sense of enclosure, emphasizing the travelers vulnerability within this hostile environment.
The color palette is striking: the intense red of the lake contrasts sharply with the pink garments of the central figures, drawing attention to them while simultaneously highlighting the surrounding inferno. The use of gold leaf in the border and highlights adds an element of preciousness, perhaps intended to underscore the gravity of the journey or the significance of the narrative being depicted.
Subtly, the composition explores themes of guidance, burden, and the consequences of transgression. The centaur’s role as a carrier suggests a reluctant servitude, while the archers embody a sense of inescapable judgment. The lake itself functions not merely as a visual element but as a symbolic representation of suffering and eternal punishment. The landscapes harshness reinforces the idea that this is a place beyond redemption, where even the most powerful are subject to divine justice.