Relief portrait of Dante Alighieri

Dante Alighieri had a great influence during the Italian Renaissance, and his writings are considered as milestones. He is often qualified as the greatest Italian writer. In the 19th century, Italian nationalism spread, and the will to form a true nation (Italy being made of many kingdoms) In the 19th century, Italian nationalism spread, and the will to form a true nation (Italy being then made of many kingdoms) became stronger and stronger amongst the intelligentsia. That is why Italian artists from that period looked back on their older masters and saught inspiration in their work. Here, Cesare Fantacchiotti represented Dante as in the 15th century, resembling Andrea Pisano's work on the Duomo of Florence.