Final answer:
Dante's purpose in writing the Inferno was to allegorically depict the soul's journey, incorporating themes of morality and divine justice. Domenico di Michelino, with his experience and skill in capturing the story's essence, would likely have been Dante's choice for illustrating the Inferno.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dante's Inferno Artist Selection
Dante Alighieri's primary purpose in writing the Inferno, the first part of his epic poem The Divine Comedy, was to offer an allegorical tale of his journey through Hell, representing the soul's journey towards God. Its themes are morality, the consequences of human actions, and divine justice. The Inferno serves as a mirror of society, reflecting the sins and virtues of both contemporary Florentine politics and human nature.
Considering the criteria Dante may have used to choose an artist to illustrate the Inferno, it is probable that he would have selected Domenico di Michelino. Michelino's work 'Dante and the Divine Comedy' from 1465 vividly conveys the various realms of Dante's narrative with technical prowess and a harmonious integration of text and imagery. Due to Michelino's ability to capture the essence of the Divine Comedy and his experience with buon fresco technique, he could adeptly translate Dante's complex allegory and thematic richness into visual form, creating illustrations that are both informative and emotionally evocative.