Artwork

Scene from the Inferno (canto IX)

Scene from the Inferno (canto IX), by William Etty, ink, 1818
Scene from the Inferno (canto IX), by William Etty, ink, 1818

Scene from the Inferno (canto IX) is an ink drawing by the Romanticist artist William Etty. It dates from 1818 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower left in black ink: Inferno Canto IX; lower center in graphite: "Tres furie infernal di sangue tinte / che membra femmine aveano ed atto,"; upper left verso: Ref: (10); uRv//in graphite: 44 / W / L

About this work

Overview

This drawing, created by William Etty in 1818, visually interprets a scene from Canto IX of Dante's Inferno using pen, black ink, and gray wash. The composition captures a dynamic, multi-figure scene set amidst a turbulent crowd.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a woman in a long robe gazing left, a bearded, winged figure in mid-air to her left, and another similar figure in the background. These elements convey the chaotic and tumultuous nature of the Inferno's narrative.

Technique & Style

Etty employed pen and black ink for outlines and details, complemented by gray wash to achieve depth and shading. The style reflects the expressive and emotive qualities characteristic of Romantic-era illustrations of literary works.

History & Provenance

Created in 1818, specific details about the drawing's ownership history and exhibitions are not provided in the available information.

Context

This work is contextualized within the broader artistic movement of Romanticism, which often emphasized dramatic, emotional, and literary themes, aligning with the intense, chaotic depiction of Dante's Inferno.

Legacy

The drawing's impact or influence on subsequent artistic interpretations of the Inferno, or its significance within Etty's oeuvre, is not detailed in the provided information.

Bird Men
Bird Men, Arthur B. Davies

Artist & collection

Portrait of William Etty

Artist

William Etty

William Etty (10 March 1787 – 13 November 1849) was an English artist best known for his historical paintings containing nude figures.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Scene from the Inferno (canto IX)?

Scene from the Inferno (canto IX) was painted by William Etty in 1818.

Where can I see Scene from the Inferno (canto IX)?

Scene from the Inferno (canto IX) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Scene from the Inferno (canto IX)?

Scene from the Inferno (canto IX) is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Scene from the Inferno (canto IX)?

Museum-quality prints of Scene from the Inferno (canto IX) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.