'Dante Alighieri - Midway' is an open edition, illustrative literary print by New York City based creative studio 'Obvious State'. This artwork is printed on heavy premium 270 gsm Fine Art paper with an elegant eggshell finish.

"Midway on our life's journey I found myself in a dark wood, For the right way was lost." - Dante Alighieri

The opening line of Dante's Inferno sets up the Divine Comedy’s epic, allegorical journey through hell, purgatory and heaven. Everything about the story, structure, and poetry aims for symmetry and balance, and it's no accident that the poem begins exactly midway in the narrator's life, his soul balanced precariously between light and dark. 

Despite its overt theological themes, the Divine Comedy has plenty of humanist wisdom. We especially love this first line for its relatability: Who hasn't felt lost on life's journey? And whatever one’s spiritual convictions may be, there's no doubt that the choices we make cumulatively tilt the world toward a better or worse future.

In this illustration, structural outlined trees suggest a disorienting maze that leads toward fewer and fewer choices as they lead up or down. The center suggests a compass pointing in opposite directions, and is demarcated by 9 circles above (the heavenly spheres) and 9 circles below (the circles of the Inferno). The entire structure resembles a wide-open eye, trying to make sense of the path ahead.

Frame Details: We use sustainable wooden frames and glass, not fibreboard and acrylic which typically you find in 'off the shelf' frames. Unlike acrylic, glass does not lose its clarity over time and can be easily and safely cleaned. We have been successfully shipping ready to hang frames containing glass since we opened in 2005. There are two finishes to choose from: black or white.

For frame details click the ‘View Frame Details’ link above.

Packaging Details: We go to great lengths to ensure that your purchase arrives in perfect condition. We only use sturdy cardboard postal tubes and double walled cardboard boxes. We use as much recycled and recyclable material as possible, including newspapers from our coffee shop, Coffee Yard, to pack our boxes.

Delivery Details: Unframed prints come flat packed. Place your order by 3pm for same day dispatch. Next day delivery is available at checkout. For full delivery information, including cost, click the ‘Delivery Information’ link above.