"What cause," said he, "Hath bow'd thee thus!" (Canto XIX., 138-139)

Discover the allure of art with our faithful reproduction of ""What cause," said he, "Hath bow'd thee thus!" (Canto XIX., 138-139)", originally brought to life by the talented Gustave Dore. Unlike posters or prints, our hand-painted oil painting breathes an unique sense of depth and texture into your space. Every detail, every stroke, and every texture is meticulously recreated, paying the perfect homage to Gustave Dore and his artistic vision.

Owning this piece is more than just decoration - it's a statement of your refined taste in art. Let the vibrant colors and intricate details of this replica serve as a daily reminder of the beauty in our world. Elevate your decor and appreciate the richness of art with our replica of this masterpiece.

"What cause," said he, "Hath bow'd thee thus!" (Canto XIX., 138-139) is an evocative illustration by the renowned French artist Gustave Doré, created as part of his extensive series of engravings for Dante Alighieri's "Divine Comedy." Doré, celebrated for his dramatic and detailed visual interpretations of literary classics, embarked on illustrating the "Divine Comedy" in the mid-19th century, with his works first published in 1861. This particular illustration corresponds to a poignant moment in Canto XIX of the "Inferno," where Dante encounters the souls of the simoniacs, those who have committed the sin of simony by selling church offices and roles.

In this scene, Dante and his guide, the Roman poet Virgil, traverse the third bolgia of the eighth circle of Hell, where the simoniacs are punished. The illustration captures the intense emotional and physical torment of the damned souls, who are depicted as being buried head-first in holes in the rock, with flames licking at their exposed feet. The title of the illustration, "What cause," said he, "Hath bow'd thee thus!" is a direct quotation from the text, reflecting Dante's inquiry to one of the suffering souls, Pope Nicholas III, who is condemned for his corrupt practices.

Doré's masterful use of light and shadow, along with his meticulous attention to anatomical detail and expression, brings a visceral realism to the infernal landscape. His ability to convey the agony and despair of the damned souls, juxtaposed with the serene yet stern presence of Dante and Virgil, underscores the moral and theological themes of Dante's epic poem. Doré's illustrations have been widely acclaimed for their ability to enhance the reader's experience of the "Divine Comedy," providing a visual counterpart that complements and deepens the understanding of Dante's allegorical journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise.

When you order this oil painting replica, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to paint. If the artwork is more complex, it might need a little more time to ensure the best quality. Once it's ready, we'll send you a photo for your approval. After you give the green light, we'll ship it to you for free.

We believe in the quality of our hand-painted oil painting reproductions, and your satisfaction is our priority. If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer a 45-day return policy. You can return your artwork within 45 days of receipt and receive a full refund. Please note that the artwork must be returned in the original packaging and in the same condition as it was received.