The first artwork depicting Inferno 5 portrays Paolo and Francesca in a garden, reading a courtly love text, specifically the Arthurian romance of Lancelot. This scene represents a throwback to the moment when they committed the sin that ultimately cast them into Hell. As in previous illustrations of the canti, the color red is symbolic, here applied to the book, which acts as the catalyst for their adulterous affair as they read. As Dante notes, “Galeotto fu 'l libro e chi lo scrisse” ("A Gallehault indeed, that book and he who wrote it" ) [Inf. 5.137].

The two are surrounded by olive trees, symbolizing peace, though their actions lead to the opposite outcome, as they are condemned to Hell for their lust. The trees, in full bloom, evoke spring or summer, traditionally a time for lovers. However, despite the serene setting, Dante reveals the darker reality of courtly love, which can compel individuals to act against their will.

In his post-exile canzone Doglia mi reca nello core ardire, written in the early 14th century, Dante clarifies that what some call "love" is often mere "bestial appetite": “chiamando amore appetito di fera” ("calling bestial appetite love") [Doglia mi reca, 143] (Barolini 24). He critiques those who separate love from reason, believing that love exists “fuor d’orto di ragione” ("outside of reason’s garden") [147]. For Dante, true love cannot exist without reason, and a passion that contradicts reason is not love (Barolini 24).

In this artwork, the characters are drawn in a "garden of reason," yet they will ultimately subordinate reason to desire. As "carnal sinners," they did not experience love, but rather lust (lussuria) (Barolini 26). It is important to note that Dante does not condemn desire itself (Barolini 22). In Purgatorio 18, he writes, "Desire is spiritual motion" ("disire, / ch’è moto spiritale") [Purg. 18:31-32]. Desire drives human life, and, if guided properly, leads toward God. (Barolini 22) 

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Barolini, Teodolinda. “Inferno 5: What’s Love Got to Do with It? Love and Free Will.” Commento Baroliniano, Digital Dante. New York, NY: Columbia University Libraries, 2018. https://digitaldante.columbia.edu/dante/divine-comedy/inferno/inferno-5.