Design for a Freestanding Altar dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin 1665 - 1745

This is a design for a freestanding altar dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin, created anonymously with pen and brown ink, and gray wash on cream laid paper. The altar depicts the Virgin Mary ascending to heaven, surrounded by angels, with the apostles gathered below. It's difficult to ignore that this image represents an idealized vision of religious devotion and hierarchy. The Virgin Mary, a central figure in Catholicism, is elevated, literally and figuratively, embodying purity and divine grace in a patriarchal structure. The design reflects the cultural values of its time, where the church played a dominant role in shaping social norms and gender roles. The altar is not merely a religious object, it is a stage for the performance of faith, reinforcing specific narratives about power, gender, and salvation. While the artist remains unknown, their work invites us to consider the complex interplay between religious belief, artistic expression, and societal expectations.