The Slothful

The Purgatorio - Canto XVIII

Charcoal, Pastel, Gold Leaf January, 1996
"Faster! Faster! We have not time to waste,
for time is love," cried others from behind,
"strive to do good, that grace may bloom again."

translation by M. Musa

About the Drawing...

I am often asked why this drawing has such a feeling of power
when we usually encounter great suffering from the souls of Purgatory.
Dante responds to this Canto with such Zeal (yes, the opposite of sloth) that I felt tremendous strength
within the spirit of these souls. The golden rays eminate from the runners' heart.
I ask you, when we are seeking something out of pure spirit and love,
are we not driven by heart and race to that which we seek?
Copyright 2002 Jennifer Strange