Introduction

Dante Alighieri was born in 1265 in Florence and is considered to be one of the greatest Italian poets who have ever lived. He is also known as the father of the Italian language as we know it. His most important work, Comedia, later known as The Divine Comedy (Divine Commedia), is a masterpiece of world literature that explores the afterlife through three realms: Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. Each realm is depicted with vivid imagery and symbolism, reflecting Dantes moral and spiritual vision of life. Inspired by this epic poem, Visconti has created a new collection that captures the essence of each realm in its design and craftsmanship.

Each pen mounts special trims and colored resins designed specifically to express the imagery specific to each of Dantes realms. The Inferno (Hell) is made of solid black resin with flaming-red accents and dark ruthenium trims, evoking the fire and darkness of the inferno. Purgatorio (Purgatory) is equipped with palladium trims, while the resin is taupe-brown as the purgatorial mountain with grayish shades representing the purifying journey of the souls. Finally, Paradiso (Heaven) is a celestial sky-blue with yellow gold trim, symbolizing the holy light and joyful nobility of paradise.

These three different versions of the Comedia are united by the unique design of the central ring, thought up specifically for this collection and featuring two bands covered in a hammered texture – a detail also found in the pens distinctive metal section. Each individual central ring is then individually engraved by Viscontis craftsmen with the inscription Comedia followed by the name of the specific model – Inferno, Purgatorio, or Paradiso.

The Comedia is yet another act of Viscontis love for the city of Florence, cradle of the Italian Rennaisance and embodiment of the craftsmanship that defines Viscontis creations. Meticulous attention to detail and a love of art and human culture are values that Visconti has always been committed to, embodying them in the development of this collection.

Midway Upon the journey of life

I found myself within a forest dark,

For the straightforward pathway had been lost.

-Dante Alighieri