The Inferno of Dante by Michael Mazur
February 16 - May 14, 2006
Wolcott Gallery
The Inferno of Dante by Michael Mazur features an extraordinary suite of 41 black-and-white prints illustrating
the most famous section of Dante Alighieri's The Divine Comedy. 
In
1993, Mazur was commissioned to create a suite of prints to accompany American Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky's acclaimed
translation of this classic Italian poem, which transformed the traditional troubadour love song into a remarkable
journey exploring the human condition. Mazur, one of America's most distinguished printmakers, defied conventions
set forth in earlier illustrations by representing the passage through the circles of Hell from the viewpoint of
Dante and Virgil. By placing the viewer in the midst, rather than on the outskirts, of Dante's narrative, Mazur's
innovative prints offer an unprecedented probing of both the depths of human psychology and the ultimate faith in
redemption. Since 2000, the complete suite of prints has been exhibited in both Europe and America, including their
premiere showing at the Museo di Castelvecchio in Verona as part of the 700th anniversary celebration of Dante's
landmark poem.
Support for this exhibition has been provided by the Kalkin Family Exhibitions Fund, University of Vermont's
Buckham Fund and the Dan and Carole Burack President's Distinguished Lecture Series through the English
Department, the Honors College, the ProvostŐs Office, and the Vermont Humanities Council. The Inferno of
Dante by Michael Mazur is circulated by Curatorial Assistance, Los Angeles.
