This installment of In the Spotlight demonstrates how the Loeb participates in campus-wide, interdisciplinary programs such as Celebrating Dante at Vassar. This year, 2021, marks the 700th anniversary of the death of Italian poet Dante Alighieri (1265–1321). Events and activities have been planned to mark this occasion around the world, including at Vassar. Dante has been taught at the College from its earliest days, and faculty, students, and graduates have interacted with his works in important and noteworthy ways. In 1921, Vassar students commemorated the sixth centennial of Dante’s death with an extraordinary nine-week journey to Italy. The trip culminated with a visit to the poet’s tomb in Ravenna, where the group delivered a plaque from “American students of the 20th century.” This Dante pilgrimage proved to be a turning point for Italian studies at Vassar: The following year, a selection of courses was offered in the newly established Italian Department.

Given the long interest in Dante at the College, it is no surprise that the Library and Loeb Art Center hold a number of relevant works. Examples deposited in the Archives & Special Collections Library represent some of the high points in publishing Dante over the centuries. At the Loeb, related objects include the prints on view. Among them are several from Michael Mazur’s print series made between 1996 and 2000, conceived to accompany an English translation by Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky of Dante’s Inferno. On the 700th anniversary of Dante’s death, we can only imagine that the poet and his writing will continue to spark questions and insights for many years to come. Each age finds new ways to connect to Dante and his work.

For more Celebrating Dante, see the exhibition organized by Vassar College Libraries (on view until December 8, 2021) and its associated publication with essays by Simona Bondavalli (Italian Department), Nancy Bisaha (History Department), Ronald Patkus (Archives & Special Collections), and Elizabeth Nogrady (Loeb Art Center), with an introduction by Andrew Ashton, Director of the Libraries. The above text has been adapted from this catalogue, conceived and edited by Ronald Patkus.

Support for In the Spotlight is provided by
Mary Ellen Weisl Rudolph ’61, P’98 and James N. Rudolph P’98.