084 Purgatory, First terrace – Dante and Virgil at the gates of Purgatory, and the Proud carrying heavy stones Divina Commedia (1444-1450)

The composition is divided into two distinct zones, demarcated by a stark architectural transition. The left side presents a celestial encounter at what appears to be the threshold of a sacred space. Here we see three figures engaged in a formal exchange. One, centrally positioned and bathed in golden light, possesses an aureola signifying divine status; this figure gestures towards the two men flanking them. These men are draped in flowing blue robes, their postures suggesting humility and reverence as they bow before the illuminated individual. The background behind these figures is rendered with a deep ultramarine hue punctuated by stylized stars, reinforcing the otherworldly nature of the scene.
In contrast, the right side depicts a landscape populated by numerous human forms engaged in arduous labor. These individuals are burdened with large stones, which they carry with evident strain and exhaustion. Their bodies are exposed, emphasizing their physical suffering and vulnerability. The terrain is uneven and rocky, further contributing to the sense of difficulty and penance. A dense foliage partially obscures the background, creating a visual barrier between this group and the celestial scene on the left.
The juxtaposition of these two zones creates a powerful symbolic contrast. The encounter at the gate suggests an acceptance or judgment, while the laboring figures embody the consequences of past failings – a visible manifestation of repentance. The stones they carry likely represent the weight of their pride, which is the sin associated with this particular terrace.
The architectural division itself functions as more than a simple spatial separation; it acts as a symbolic barrier between the earthly and the divine, highlighting the arduous journey required for spiritual purification. The use of gold leaf throughout the composition – particularly around the central figure and within the architectural details – underscores the sacredness of this transition and the promise of redemption that lies beyond. The overall effect is one of solemnity and profound moral significance, conveying a narrative of suffering, humility, and eventual ascent towards grace.