014 Fifth Circle – Dante and Virgil being rowed across the river Styx by a Phlegyas Divina Commedia (1444-1450)

The scene unfolds within a starkly defined landscape, dominated by a murky, grey-green river that occupies much of the compositions central space. This waterway serves as the boundary between the living and the realm of the dead, its surface disturbed by grasping figures emerging from the depths. A small boat, propelled by a lone figure identified as Phlegyas, carries two men across this somber expanse.
The man at the stern, older and with flowing white hair and beard, appears to be engaged in earnest conversation with his companion seated near the bow. The younger man, dressed in simpler attire, leans towards the elder, seemingly listening intently. Their interaction is rendered with a degree of intimacy that suggests guidance and instruction within this perilous journey.
The figures clinging to the boat’s sides and reaching from the water are depicted as emaciated and tormented souls, their expressions conveying anguish and despair. They strain toward the living men, attempting to board the vessel, yet are held back by an unseen force. The artist has rendered them with a visceral realism, emphasizing their suffering through contorted limbs and desperate gestures.
The background is characterized by jagged, dark rock formations that rise dramatically on either side of the river. A fiery glow emanates from behind these rocks, hinting at the infernal nature of this place. To the right, a structure resembling a gate or tower is visible, guarded by grotesque demonic figures with exaggerated features and menacing expressions. These creatures reinforce the sense of dread and confinement inherent in this underworld setting.
The color palette is restrained, primarily utilizing muted tones of grey, green, brown, and blue to convey the bleakness and despair of the environment. The limited use of red – seen in the background glow and on some of the demonic figures – serves as a visual cue for danger and suffering. The gold leaf used for the frame creates a stark contrast with the dark tones within, drawing attention to the scenes narrative importance while simultaneously suggesting its sacred nature.
Subtly, the composition explores themes of guidance, redemption, and the consequences of sin. The elder man’s role as mentor is evident in his posture and interaction with the younger one, symbolizing a transmission of knowledge or spiritual understanding. The desperate attempts of the damned to join them underscore the desire for salvation and the inherent human longing for connection even in the face of eternal suffering. The overall effect is one of profound melancholy and moral weight, inviting contemplation on the nature of mortality and the path towards transcendence.