(g) Minos.—Canto IV.
Contains some wonderfully energetic and inventive actions. Terrible retributive angel-heads glance out from behind Minos.
(h) Homer, bearing the sword, and his Companions.—Canto IV. Pencil—slight.
(i) The Antique Poets and Philosophers, &c.—Canto IV. Half finished.
Quite a different composition from the preceding. The poets are under ideal trees, the leafage of which has a certain suggestion of the laurel or bay.
(j) The Circle of the Lustful-Francesca da Rimini.—Canto V.
Engraved in close correspondence with the design, but this is considerably the finer; very wonderful in the sweep of the vortex and in colour; the flesh of the sufferers crimson-streaked. Virgil's head is fused into the light of the visionary disc representing the kiss of Francesca and Paolo.
(k) The Circle of the Gluttons, with Cerberus.—Canto VI. A mere preparation for colouring.
(l) Cerberus.—Canto VI. Unfinished.
His doggish heads have a dragon-like character. He grips, in human hands, the souls, which are pigmies in comparison.
(m) The same. Unfinished.
The finer of the two. Dante and Virgil here are made more important.
(n) Plutus.—Canto VII. Colour only begun.
He has an insane look, corresponding to Dante's conception: his right hand is upon a bag marked 'money.' Fine.
(o) The Stygian Lake, with the Ireful Sinners fighting.—Canto VII. Unfinished.
Most admirably invented. The sinners, in two bands, hurl themselves one against the other, through the waters.
(p) Virgil repelling Filippo Argenti from the Boat.—Canto VIII. Unfinished.
Fine.
(q) Dante and Virgil crossing towards the City of Dis.—Canto VIII. Indian Ink.
The scene is everything here, not the figures. Interesting.
(r) The Angel crossing Styx.—Canto IX. Only begun.
Would have come very fine. The whirls of the vortex, which accompanies the angel, coil like a gigantic serpent.
(s) The Gorgon-head, and the Angel opening the Gate of Dis.—Canto IX. Only begun in colour.
The gate, with the angel touching it, forms the chief subject.
(t) Farinata degli Uberti.—Canto X. Only begun.
A very fine beginning.
