Purgatory, Canto 30

In this picture Dante (standing in the right hand corner) finally meets Beatrice, who is the crowned figure on the chariot. Beatrice was the love of Dante's life, and was the subject of his first collection of poems, Vita Nuova. She died when she was only 25 years old - hence her presence in the afterlife as the central figure of The Divine Comedy.

Anxious that Dante had gone astray after her death, it was Beatrice who, in the scheme of the poem, arranged for Virgil to guide him through Hell and Purgatory. She is veiled but Dante nonetheless senses who she is and begins to tremble. Beatrice, however, represents more than love. In the scheme of the poem she is divine revelation and grace.

The rich and bright colours used here express Dante's double delight. He is reunited with his lady-love, and at the same time is experiencing a revelation of the divine.