Ascent from Earthly Paradise Whole folio Paradiso Canto I. Initial 'L' Christ standing in benediction in a golden chariot drawn by a griffon; symbols of the Evangelists; two souls. At foot Dante prepares to enter the circles of Paradise. On the summit of Parnassus Dante seeks inspiration from Apollo who offers him two laurel wreaths; Beside Apollo is a laurel tree; the Muses on a bank of clouds; Marsyas flayed and prostrate; Marsyas playing the flute Image taken from Divine Comedy. Originally published in Italy Tuscany; circa 1442-1450. Author Dante Alighieri, Illustrated by Priamo della Quercia.