This virtual talk will examine the shift in late medieval devotion and spirituality to the affective consideration of and participation to the sufferings of Christ on the Cross (Christus patiens). Particular attention is given to Bonaventure’s theology of the Cross and to narratives of the Passion of Christ included in writings of Franciscan friars such as Ubertino da Casale and the visual representations sponsored by the mendicants. Against this backdrop, the author analyses Dante’s representation of the Passion’s episodes in the Comedy. On the basis of the poet’s narrative and lexical choices, the author notes the absence of the most vivid details associated to the Christus Patiens. In the light of contemporary theological discussion on soteriology, the author hypothesizes that Dante wishes to represent the Passion as a triumph of the divine caritas that ultimately motivates the history of salvation.
The Center for Renaissance Studies Dante Lectures have been held since 2001, bringing Dante scholars from throughout the United States and Europe to the Newberry to present cutting-edge research. From 1983 to 1997, multiple lectures were held each year under the series title “Lectura Dantis Newberrania.”
Cosponsored with the Devers Program in Dante Studies at the University of Notre Dame.
Learn more about the speaker, Paola Nasti.