2-709-603 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'"That is the ancient soul of wretched Myrrha", he replied, "who burn'd with most unholy flame for her own sire, and a false shape assuming, so perform'd the deed of sin"', c1890. Dante and the Roman poet Virgil encounter Myrrha, who in Greek mythology disguised herself to commit incest with her father. She is punished for being an imposter. 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]