Relief portrait of Dante Alighieri

myminifactory

Dante Alighieri wielded immense influence during Italy's Renaissance era, his works marking pivotal milestones that continue to shape the nation's literary identity. Renowned for his mastery, he is often regarded as Italy's greatest writer. The 19th century saw a surge in Italian nationalism, with a collective desire to forge a unified nation from the fragmented kingdoms of old. As this sense of national pride intensified among intellectuals, artists of the time looked back on their predecessors' masterpieces and drew inspiration from their works. In this context, Cesare Fantacchiotti's rendering of Dante, dating back to the 15th century, bears striking resemblance to Andrea Pisano's frescoes adorning the Duomo in Florence.