Dante: The Invention of Celebrity

Dante is an influential author who has inspired many images that shape our perceptions of him as a visionary, romantic lover, and political corruption. He was the first person to become a celebrity in his own lifetime, making famous individuals such as Paolo and Francesca, Ciacco, and La Pia household names. Dante also questioned the significance and value of worldly fame, believing that the earthly fame of a poet could be a force for good.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 64 pages
Publication date: 03 September 2021
Publisher: Ashmolean Museum

Dante Alighieri, the esteemed author of one of the most celebrated works of European literature, has left an indelible mark on our collective imagination through a vast array of images that continue to shape our perceptions of the poet as a visionary, a romantic lover, and a political dissident. His profound influence extends beyond his literary masterpiece, the Commedia, and permeates the visual representations associated with it. At the heart of the Commedia and its accompanying visual imagery lies the profound significance of individual lives. Dante's unparalleled genius lies in his ability to elevate obscure figures into household names, transforming their obscurity into fame. In the Commedia, he introduced us to characters such as Paolo and Francesca, Ciacco the glutton, and La Pia, individuals who would otherwise remain unknown to us. His radical democratic perspective, which challenged the established hierarchies of the time, was a groundbreaking revelation.

Furthermore, Dante delved into the realm of worldly fame, questioning its significance and value. His reflection on the human desire for notoriety is a timeless testament to our society of spectacle, where fame can be attained in a matter of minutes. Despite being aware of religious warnings about the futility of worldly vanity, Dante ultimately arrived at a personal conviction that the earthly fame of a poet could be a force for good. Through his literary prowess and visual imagery, Dante Alighieri has left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and shape our understanding of the human condition. His work serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling, the importance of individual lives, and the potential for fame to be a catalyst for positive change. As we commemorate the seventh centenary of Dante's death in 2021, let us honor his memory by continuing to explore the rich tapestry of his artistic vision and the profound insights it offers us.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 283 x 302 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910807491