Leaving Purgatory
When he had brought his lecture to an end,
the lofty scholar looked into my face,
searching to see if I seemed satisfied;
And I, already thirsting for more drink,
kept silent, wondering: “Could he, perhaps,
be tired of all this questioning of mine?”
But that true father, sensing my desire,
which was too timid to express itself,
spoke first, and thus encouraged me to speak.
I said: “Master, the light you shed has made
my sight so keen that now I clearly see
all that your words mean or what they imply.
So I beseech you, father, kind and dear,
define love for me, please, which is, you say
the source of every virtue, every vice.”
“Now focus your mind’s eye on what I say,”
he said, “and you will clearly understand
the error of the blind who lead the blind.
The Soul at birth, created quick to love,
will move toward anything that pleases it,
as soon as pleasure causes it to move.
Words by Dante
Best viewed in large format
Acrylics, ink, graphite, pigment and gold leaf on paper
Leaving Purgatory belongs to the following groups:
Corporate Art/Themes, Masterpiece: Art and Unconventional Artistry - 3 per day Available for sale asGreeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints, Framed Prints and Posters
coppertrees
Looks like a fariss wheel of colors love it Sophie
Sophie Shapiro replied
Vicky thank you for your wonderful comment! You really are a very Special Lady!Sx
butchart
it’s very important in life to center yourself…. find that calm inner space of healing light…. while all external stimuli hover about…. from that place we are able to camly process what we are recieving…... a beautiful illustration of just that ….......... just wonderful sophie….......b
Sophie Shapiro replied
Thank you B for those beautiful, inspiring words! I am very moved by them!Sx
liesbeth
as if i’m looking up… making me a bit dizzy…but also giving a feeling of all is well…beautifull indeed..
Sophie Shapiro replied
Liesbeth I’m really happy you like this painting! Thank you for your wonderful comment!Sx
margpie
excellent S, another stimulating image with lots to see and think about I havn’t got the fancy art words for you, but, I am hoping fab will do :) big smile for you
Sophie Shapiro replied
M you are so wonderful! Thank you for all your wonderful inspirations, I really treasure them and I am really happy that you like this painting!Sx
Lior Goldenberg
Amazing visual!
Sophie Shapiro replied
Lior thank you for your wonderful comment! I really appreciate it!Sx
Dawnsky2
i can see lots of Angel wings, many faces, taking me straight up.. very beautiful Sophie :)
Sophie Shapiro replied
I’m go pleased you like this Laura! There is so much to see within this painting!I’m thrilled you like it!Sx
eon .
“Where the spirit does not work with the hand there is no art.”
Leonardo Da Vinc …..Your Covered Ciao SH
Sophie Shapiro replied
Steve, these are wonderful words and I’m really touched by them! Thank you for all your support and interest!Sx
Anthony R. Pla...
The woman at the center is beautiful. I can’t decide if the maelstrom is projected from her or is the sides of my tunnel vision as I look at her. :) Nice! You are so inspiring!
Sophie Shapiro replied
Anthony I really appreciate your comments and inspirations! Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback!Sx
robyn nuttall
beautiful effect Sophie!
Sophie Shapiro replied
Thanks Robyn, I’m really happy you like this painting!Sx
Joe Valcourt/M...
a post deconstruction neo renaissance masterpiece. undoubtedly all your work is great. this one is truly a wonder to behold. Joe
Sophie Shapiro replied
Joe your words and feedback are very inspiring and I really appreciate it!
Thank you!Sx
Miron Abramovici
Very eye-catching and powerful artwork!
Sophie Shapiro replied
Miron thank you for your wonderful comment! I really appreciate it!Sx
LindaR
one of your most beautiful Sophie ~ the sense of rising through and with color and light, shaping one’s experience of moving towards the light and love ~ your words always giving insight to our hearts and soul’s desire, delight and wisdom ~ xx
Sophie Shapiro replied
Linda I’m so happy that you see all the different connections that help us strive for enlightenment and understanding. You have helped me so much with all your wonderful photographs/writings which have given me so much purpose and understanding in life. Thank you for all our wonderful interactions and for becoming someone I hold close in my heart!Sx
Joyce Dickens,...
Awe-inspiring work Sophie; full of life, love and vitality…............uplifting and leaving me wanting more…......beautiful and inspirational my friend!
Sophie Shapiro replied
Joyce thank you for all your empathy, intuition and creative insight! I’m so happy that The Dawn of Consciousness has been featured in Live, Love and Dream! Congratulations! Thinking of you!Sx
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Helene Kippert
Very beautiful sophie – so much movement here
Sophie Shapiro replied
This painting helps to clear past emotional patterns in this life and also past lives. The light coming through assists in helping dissolve one’s fears and makes the heart stronger! Thank you for your wonderful words Helene!Sx
blamo
Forged with true heart and spirit …...............Magnificent in a word
Sophie Shapiro replied
T what a wonderful comment! I am very touched by it and thank you for it!Sx
Maureen Bloesch
definitely an ascension,,,,:Beautiful:>))
Sophie Shapiro replied
Maureen thank you for your wonderful comment! I really appreciate it!Sx
pryere
Sophie Shapiro replied
Thank you John! You’re an angel!Sx
Sorina Williams
Gorgeous work, Sophie!
Sophie Shapiro replied
Sorina I’m so happy you like this painting! There is so much within it that I could study it for weeks, but you know that my dear friend! Good to hear from you, I will write you to you later today!Sx
aglaia b
what a fantastic view that is present in this piece sophie!
the writing by dante suits this piece so perfectly. ;-) xox
Sophie Shapiro replied
This was a commissioned painting for someone who was very unwell and I can’t tell you how this picture uplifted their Spirits! This is the first time I’ve shown it publicly and it really has so much to reveal. I’m very pleased you like both the painting and the words! Thank you for your wonderful feedback!Sx
margaretfraser
nice colours
Sophie Shapiro replied
Thank you Margaret for your comment! I really appreciate it! I hope you’re well and enjoying the lovely weather?Sx
margaretfraser
thanks Sophie I am busy with my pottery enjoying the sunshine and hoping to start another painting at weekend
Susan Epps Oliver
Such gorgeous colours, Sophie :)
Sophie Shapiro replied
Susan thank you for your wonderful comment! I hope you’re well? The weather is lovely here for a change and one can sit in the garden and enjoy the Summer evenings in all their splendour! Thinking of you!Sx
Nanmarie
This speaks volumes! What a perfect title.
Sophie Shapiro replied
Nancy thank you for your wonderful comment! I really appreciate it!Sx
Kathie Nichols
Sophie this is so brilliant, I never cease to be amazed by your work, this one is rather mesmerising and the words by Dante just fabulous. Bravo!!!
amarica
Awsome creation Sophie. xxxxxxxxx
pinkyjain
Wow, i really get an sense of space, and looking up into spacious beauty, this is so amazing, so lovely
Raydianze
Great abstract! beautiful colors working nicely together.
Julie Marks
Sophie,
this reminds me of the feeling of absolute freedom, the feeling of leaving behind purgatory, a holding place before you are you are so afflicted that you sink into the depths of Hades. You have passed through another portal to share with us your extraordinary passage into a powerful healing realm that will touch many people’s lives, most importantly your own.
nick board
A wonderful piece , quite extraordinary