016 Sixth Circle – The Walls of Dis. Furies. Dante and Virgil among heretics and false teachers Divina Commedia (1444-1450)

The composition presents a densely populated scene unfolding within a fortified enclosure. A high wall dominates the middle ground, constructed from roughly hewn stone blocks and punctuated by towers that rise into the obscured upper reaches. The walls surface is not uniformly rendered; patches of red suggest an underlying fiery presence or perhaps symbolic corruption.
Along the base of this structure, figures are arranged in a variety of poses. Several men, clad in robes of blue and pink hues, appear to be restraining or examining others who kneel or sit on the ground. Their gestures – one man’s hand placed firmly on anothers shoulder – suggest an act of judgment or interrogation. The individuals being addressed exhibit expressions ranging from resignation to distress.
Beyond the wall, a group of women in orange garments stands clustered together, their faces exhibiting a mixture of agitation and despair. They seem to be observing the proceedings with a detached yet troubled gaze. A dark, serpentine figure emerges from behind one of the towers, its form partially obscured by shadow but clearly menacing. Its presence contributes to an atmosphere of dread and impending doom.
At the lower right corner, a single face peers up from beneath the wall, adding another layer of vulnerability and suffering to the overall narrative. The limited palette – primarily blues, pinks, oranges, and earth tones – enhances the sense of confinement and spiritual desolation. The gold leaf border frames the scene, emphasizing its importance while simultaneously reinforcing the feeling of being trapped within a defined space.
The arrangement of figures suggests a hierarchical structure; those in blue robes appear to hold authority over the others. The women’s orange garments might symbolize either their shared fate or a specific form of transgression. The serpentine figure likely represents a demonic force, embodying the punishments and torments associated with this location. Overall, the painting conveys a sense of moral reckoning, where individuals are confronted with the consequences of their actions within a landscape defined by both physical and spiritual boundaries.