“Disegnare figure d’angeli” (Vn XXXIV, 3) On some aspects of Beatrice’s symbolism in Vita nuova

The study draws on the querelle between Pierre Mandonnet and Étienne Gilson over the figure of Beatrice and investigates a few aspects of the complex symbolism of the “gentilissima” in the Vita Nuova. To this end, Beatrice is analyzed both as a number as well as a sacrament. Finally, a parallel is proposed between the symbolism of the sacred icon of the Byzantine tradition and the symbolism of Beatrice in the light of the episode of the Vita Nuova in which Dante paints figures of angels.