Dante Alighieri
Busto donated to the Auditorium al Duomo | Florence
PERSONAGE
DANTE ALIGHIERI
He was born in Florence between May and June 1265 to Alighiero di Bellincione di Alighiero and a woman known only as Bella, who died when he was very young. Dante began his poetic journey at a young age; at 18, he penned what is believed to be his first sonnet, dedicated to Beatrice. Due to his political involvement with the White Guelphs faction in Florence, Dante faced trial and was sentenced to exile, compelling him to roam in search of a new home. Ravenna became his sanctuary for a prolonged period, where he eventually passed away in 1321 and was laid to rest at the temple of San Pier Maggiore, later renamed San Francesco. For years, the people of Florence unsuccessfully petitioned for the return of their beloved poet's remains, settling instead for a cenotaph.
THE DIVINA COMMEDIA
Dante Alighieri's magnum opus, originally titled "Commedia" ("Comedy") and later dubbed "Divina" ("Divine") by Boccaccio, stands as a monumental work in world literature. Penned in tercets of endecasyllables with interconnected rhymes (ABA, BCB, CDC, etc.), the poem is divided into three canticles: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso, each comprising 33 cantos. Including the prologue canto, the masterpiece boasts a total of 100 cantos. Scholars speculate that Dante composed the work during his exile, likely commencing around 1304 or 1307. While the first two canticles may have gained popularity during Alighieri's lifetime, Paradiso was published posthumously. The poem chronicles Dante's extraordinary journey across the realms of the underworld from April 8 to 14, 1300, offering readers a vivid portrayal of his odyssey.
"Alas, enslaved Italy, lodging place of pain, ship without a helmsman in a great storm, not a lady of the provinces, but a brothel!"
Dante's political activism, despite leading to his exile, is a central theme in his most renowned work. While he vehemently condemns members of opposing factions, he reserves even greater criticism for those who remain apathetic to the political discourse. Across the three canticles, he delves into the intricate political landscape of Florence, Italy, and the broader Empire.
CURIOSITY
Numbers
In the Divine Comedy, Dante's intricate use of numbers reveals a fascinating layer of symbolism. Throughout the poem, the numbers 3 and 10 recur with remarkable frequency, manifesting in the structure itself: 33 cantos, divided into 3 canticles, totaling 100 cantos. Dante imbued these numbers with profound significance; for him, 3 symbolized the Trinity, representing the divine essence of God, while 10 signified perfection, reflecting completeness and fulfillment.
Beatrice
It is now widely accepted that the enigmatic figure known as Beatrice in Dante's works is rooted in historical reality. She is commonly identified as Bice di Folco Portinari, who was wedded to Simone de' Bardi and passed away on June 8, 1290. Dante immortalized her in his most renowned verses, portraying her as a divine guide not only for himself but for all gentle souls. In the Vita Nuova, Beatrice assumes the role of Dante's spiritual guide, leading him towards God. Similarly, in the Commedia, she accompanies the poet on his journey through Paradiso towards the divine. Despite Beatrice's pivotal role as his muse, Dante's marital alliance was with Gemma Donati, to whom he never dedicated a single verse.
"Cricchi"
This is the evocative echo, possibly one of the earliest instances in Italian literature, through which Dante portrays the ominous sound of cracking ice. In these verses, Dante vividly depicts the Cocytus, the icy infernal river so formidable that not even the weight of the Tambernich and Pietrapana mountains could cause it to fissure. Found in the XXXII canto of the Inferno, the lines read: "[...] as it was here; for even if Tambernich had fallen on it, or had Pietrapana, it had not cracked even at its very edge."
THE BUSTS
Romualdo Del Bianco Foundation
Established in the 1990s in Florence through the vision of an enlightened entrepreneur, its primary goal is to facilitate meetings and cultural exchanges among young people from different cultures and countries. The Foundation's motto, "For peace in the world, among young people from different countries, through Culture, meeting, knowing each other, understanding each other to develop friendship among peoples," reflects its commitment to promoting intercultural understanding and friendship between nations. The Foundation actively promotes respect for the diversity of cultural expressions and works to develop friendships between peoples through a series of international initiatives. These meetings preferably take place in cultural venues or heritage sites, highlighting the importance of culture in building bridges between communities. The Romualdo Del Bianco Foundation operates on a non-profit basis, dedicating itself to the promotion and implementation of projects, research, publications, awards, and scholarships that promote dialogue between cultures. Its commitment to the "Heritage for Dialogue between Cultures" is reflected in its activities and programs, aiming to create a more inclusive and supportive world through culture and education.
The busts in the world
Through the generous donation of Carrara white marble busts, the Romualdo Del Bianco Foundation has not only deepened bonds of friendship and collaboration with numerous Italian and international institutions but has also celebrated the intrinsic value of exquisite Italian art by immortalizing select figures from our World Heritage.
Leonardo Da Vinci stands proudly in exhibitions across Tbilisi (Georgia), Baku (Azerbaijan), Florence (Italy), Yerevan (Armenia), Almaty (Kazakhstan), Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), and Wisconsin (United States); Galileo Galilei's likeness graces galleries in Florence (Italy), Kyoto (japan), Krakow (Poland), Rabat (Morocco), and Benevento (Italy); Michelangelo's visage adorns spaces in Florence (Italy), Warsaw, Krakow (Poland), Manama (Bahrain), and Chisinau (Moldova); while Cesare Beccaria's legacy finds a deserving home in the heart of Strasbourg (France).
Leonardo Da Vinci stands proudly in exhibitions across Tbilisi (Georgia), Baku (Azerbaijan), Florence (Italy), Yerevan (Armenia), Almaty (Kazakhstan), Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), and Wisconsin (United States); Galileo Galilei's likeness graces galleries in Florence (Italy), Kyoto (japan), Krakow (Poland), Rabat (Morocco), and Benevento (Italy); Michelangelo's visage adorns spaces in Florence (Italy), Warsaw, Krakow (Poland), Manama (Bahrain), and Chisinau (Moldova); while Cesare Beccaria's legacy finds a deserving home in the heart of Strasbourg (France).
THE WORK
The bust and its author
"Dante Alighieri" is a sculpture by Dino De Ranieri of Pietrasanta, crafted from white Carrara marble sourced from the Michelangelo Quarry in the Apuan Alps of Tuscany. The piece comprises a bust weighing approximately 300kg and measuring about 100x65x38cm, with a base of about 35x30cm. Here are his thoughts on the artwork: "It's a common belief that figurative portraiture is a secondary art form with less creative value. Personally, I believe the exact opposite. Only an artist capable of mastering artistic techniques can truly bring 'life' to the portrait of Dante Alighieri and his towering figure."
