Harriet Moore, The Divine Comedy Paintings and Sculptures (1970-1990)

“Harriet Moore’s body of work, entitled The Divine Comedy, is a visual interpretation of the poem by the 14th century Italian poet, Dante Alighieri. The work consists of over 20 4′ x 9′ paintings and 22 sculptures in terra-cotta, bronze, and wood, created over a 20 year period, from 1970 to 1990.

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“Ms. Moore states: ‘The main characters in this drama are Dante, the pilgrim; Virgil, human wisdom; and Beatrice, divine love. Virgil guides Dante through the depths of Hell, where they see souls in pain, and then they struggle up the mountain of Purgatory. At the summit of Purgatory Dante meets Beatrice, who will guide Dante upward in flight through the heavenly spheres.'”    –David Grannis Moore

The artist’s children donated Moore’s paintings to the Peninsula Art Museum‘s permanent collection following an exhibition of her body of work at the museum in 2010. See their 2010 newsletter for more information (p. 3). Pictured above is the artist’s “Sphere of the Moon,” representing Paradiso 3-4.

Contributed by Patrick Molloy