Elisabete Caseiro, “Wood of Suicides” Cake (2015)

“This was the result of a challenge made by the fabulous Kevin Martin a while ago – to create a cake or sugar centerpiece inspired by Dante’s work Divine Comedy.

“This is my first international collaboration and I’m really thrilled to be part of it. Dante’s work was not very familiar to me so It was a great opportunity to learn more about it.

“My creation was inspired by the Wood of Suicides (Dante’s Inferno, Canto XIII, 7th Circle, 2nd Ring – Violence against themselves). The suicides occupy the circle of violence. Since they have ‘denied the God-given sanctity of their bodies on Earth,’ their souls are condemned to grow into anguished and gnarled trees or bush, into the Wood of Suicides. The souls of the Suicides endure further pain and torment due to the harpies (creatures with big wings, the head of a woman, feathered belly and claws on their feet) that inhabit the forest. These harpies nest in the forest, rend the branches of the trees and feast on their leaves, causing immense pain and making them bleed. This is the only time they can speak and express their pain.” — Elisabete Caseiro, BetySugarland Cake Design on cakesdecor.com