Allusions of Ciacco and Biondello

  • Eels in Decameron

This interesting medieval sketch, however, does portray the novella. The creator is anonymous, but it is known that this sketch originates from around 1490. Depicted is Filippo Argenti, who beats Biondello very badly after Ciacco sets him up to it. Another man (possibly Ciacco) is standing on the side, watching the scene.

“Ye citizen were wont to call me Ciacco; For the pernicious sin of gluttony, I, as thou seest, am battered by this rain.”In Canto VI, Inferno, Dante Alighieri

Ciacco, who plays a major role in this novella, also made an appearance in Dante’s Divina Commedia. In canto VI of his Inferno, Dante and Virgil descend into the third circle of hell, where people are punished for their gluttony. Here they meet Ciacco, with whom they talk about Florentine politics.Dante, Divina Commedia (2019), canto VI, 64-69. Filippo Argento, the man who was set up to be very angry at Biondello, also appears in Dante's Inferno, two canti later. Dante and Virgil find him in the fifth circle of hell. It is clear that Boccaccio has been inspired by Dante’s work.Dante, Divina Commedia (2019), canto VIII, 74-80.