002 Dante’s vision of hell. Attacked by leopard, lion, and she-wolf. Dante meeting Virgil Divina Commedia (1444-1450)

The composition presents a narrative scene unfolding within a densely wooded landscape beneath a vibrant blue sky. A central figure, presumably the protagonist, is positioned on the right side of the frame, clad in red and seemingly engaged with another individual who stands beside him. This second man appears to be gesturing forward, guiding or directing the protagonists attention towards the chaotic scene unfolding before them.
The foreground is dominated by a group of figures dressed in flowing blue robes, their postures conveying distress and struggle. Three predatory animals – a leopard, a lion, and a wolf – are depicted attacking these individuals. The leopard lunges from the left, its spotted coat sharply contrasting with the pale blue garments. A lion advances aggressively towards another figure, while the wolf appears to be in pursuit of someone lying prone on the ground.
The artist employs a flattened perspective, typical of medieval illumination, which minimizes depth and emphasizes the symbolic nature of the scene. The gold leaf border frames the narrative, lending it an air of importance and elevating its status as a significant episode. The landscape itself is rendered with stylized foliage, creating a sense of enclosure and suggesting a journey into an unknown or perilous realm.
Subtleties in the figures’ expressions and gestures hint at deeper meanings. The protagonists red attire might signify passion, sin, or perhaps divine intervention. The blue robes worn by those under attack could represent innocence or virtue being threatened. The animals themselves are likely allegorical representations of vices – the leopard symbolizing lust, the lion representing pride, and the wolf embodying avarice – obstacles that must be overcome on a spiritual journey. The prone figure suggests vulnerability and potential downfall.
The overall impression is one of symbolic struggle and moral reckoning, suggesting a narrative about confronting internal demons or navigating a path fraught with temptation and peril.