XXVII/3 In returning to Dante's running verbal vendetta against Pope Boniface VIII the initial illustration to Canto XIX is revisited. It tumbles now to emphasise the single key which indicates that this Pope at least can only make the dispensation of a long season in Hell, though he is seen here affording the impotent absolution that he gives to Guido. In the background the sign of blessing is seen parodied in a form reminiscent of the blasphemous gestures of Canto XXV/2. The image of Boniface comes from a drawing that I made in 1979 in the foyer of the Museo Poldi Pezzoli, Milan, where a poster featured his equestrian statue. -- Source of annotation: Marvin or Ruth Sackner.