Hemelvaart van Maria 1739 - 1780

Editor: This is Francesco Bartolozzi's "Hemelvaart van Maria," or "The Assumption of Mary," created sometime between 1739 and 1780. It's an engraving, so black and white, and the composition is dominated by this incredible circular shape, full of figures ascending into the heavens. What catches your eye when you look at it? Curator: The oval is mesmerizing, isn't it? Like gazing into a celestial snow globe! For me, it's about the dramatic tension between earthly grief and heavenly glory. Notice how the figures below – slumped over what seems to be a tomb – are shrouded in shadow, clinging to the physical world. But Mary, bathed in light, rises with the angels in the flurry of cloud and wing. A kind of swirling ballet. What emotions do you feel as you examine this contrast? Editor: Definitely a sense of release, but also, almost… vertigo? Like you’re being pulled upwards. Curator: Exactly! It's pure Baroque drama, aiming to sweep you up in the spectacle. It makes me think of the sheer optimism prevalent in Baroque art – everything is aspiring to something greater. Do you see a contrast between the figures that rise and the witnesses at the bottom? Editor: It's interesting how some below seem to almost deny the heavenly happenings, heads buried in their arms as others dramatically reach up to the heavens. It does create the drama in the image! Curator: Yes, a poignant range of faith and doubt captured. It makes me wonder: Which figure do I most closely resemble at times, I wonder? What have you learned that will stick with you? Editor: I see that it's so much more than just a religious scene. It’s an emotional narrative, a human story played out on a cosmic scale. I'm already anticipating looking at other works by the artist! Curator: Me too. It has a hopeful feel to it and that resonates with me!