2-709-601 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"Then, fasting got the mastery of grief", c1890. Count Ugolino, his sons and grandsons condemned to death by starvation in the Torre dei Gualandi. After the others die, Ugolino eats their bodies: 'Once more upon the wretched skull his teeth he fasten'd, like a mastiff's 'gainst the bone firm and unyielding.' 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]