023 The seventh circle – The wood of the suicide Divina Commedia (1444-1450)

The composition presents a procession unfolding within a dense, stylized woodland setting. A vibrant gold border frames the scene, emphasizing its significance and creating a sense of enclosure. The foreground is dominated by figures arranged in a linear sequence, moving from left to right across the canvas.
On the left side, several individuals clad in crimson robes stand observing. Their expressions are impassive, their gazes directed towards the central action. A figure draped in a deep blue garment leads the procession; this individual appears to be guiding or escorting another person who is visibly distressed and struggling. The guided figure is nearly nude, his body marked with wounds, and he seems to be resisting his captor’s advance.
Further along, more figures in crimson robes watch the unfolding drama. A demonic entity, positioned on the right edge of the painting, appears to be actively pursuing or restraining the distressed individual. The demons posture is aggressive, its limbs contorted, and it wields a long, thin implement that suggests both restraint and potential harm.
Above the figures, within the branches of the trees, are stylized avian forms. These birds appear almost spectral, their presence adding to the unsettling atmosphere of the scene. Their placement above the procession could symbolize observation, judgment, or perhaps even a sense of foreboding.
The color palette is striking: the deep blues and reds contrast sharply against the dark green foliage, creating visual drama and highlighting the emotional intensity of the moment. The limited depth of field flattens the perspective, contributing to the painting’s symbolic rather than realistic nature.
Subtly, the work explores themes of transgression, punishment, and the consequences of defying societal or divine norms. The procession suggests a ritualistic journey, perhaps a descent into some form of suffering. The restrained figures nudity could symbolize vulnerability and exposure, while the impassive observers might represent indifference or complicity in his fate. The birds hovering above introduce an element of spiritual judgment, suggesting that actions have consequences beyond the earthly realm. Overall, the painting conveys a sense of profound melancholy and moral reckoning.