Dramatic Depictions of Hell

Over many generations, in countless cultures and societies, artists of all types have been inspired, fascinated and enthralled by the concept of the afterlife. Ever since medieval times, artists from all over Europe, and eventually other continents, have delved into their own interpretations of what we might see when entering the divine gates of heaven. Or on the other hand, in the absolute worst-case scenario, what one might see or experience if condemned to the pits of hell. I have always been very curious in artists’ different interpretations of heaven and hell, ever since I first laid eyes on the incredibly detailed works of Heironymous Bosch. Outside of painting and illustrating, artistic interpretations of what we might discover following our inevitable end, would also enter into literature. The famous poet and philosopher, Dante Alighieri, would complete an epic, narrative poem called The Divine Comedy, detailing a journey from hell, to purgatory and eventually heaven. This manuscript would start a tra