2-709-600 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'That sprite of air is Schicchi; in like mood of random mischief vents he still his spite', c1890. The alchemist Capocchio is attacked by Gianni Schicchi de' Cavalcanti, who impersonated the dead Buoso Donati to claim his inheritance. They are punished for being imposters. Illustration from "The Vision of Hell" (Inferno), the first part of "The Divine Comedy" (La divina commedia) by Dante Alighieri. This long, narrative poem, written in Italian c1308-1321, tracing Dante's imaginary journey from Hell, through Purgatory and finally to Heaven and a beatific vision of God, has been published numerous times. This edition, published late 19th century, is illustrated by Gustave Dore. [Cassell Petter & Galpin, c1890]