Hemelvaart 1574

Editor: This is "Hemelvaart," or "The Ascension," a 1574 engraving in ink by Giovanni Battista Cavalieri. It's very linear, very detailed... there's a figure rising to the top surrounded by clouds, with many figures below. What story does this image tell? Curator: It's not just a story; it's a visual argument deeply embedded in the power structures of its time. Cavalieri presents Christ’s ascension not merely as a religious event but as a validation of divine right. Note the upward trajectory, a visual metaphor for hierarchy. Who is included, and perhaps more importantly, who is excluded? Editor: I see the apostles...and angels...so who might be excluded, or perhaps marginalized by this imagery? Curator: Consider the role of women in religious narratives of this period. How are women absent, and what does their exclusion tell us about the societal power dynamics being reinforced by Cavalieri's composition? Think about whose stories get told, and whose get left out of the frame. This impacts contemporary understanding. Editor: So, even this heavenly scene has earthly implications. I see what you mean. It's not just about faith but about reinforcing power. Curator: Exactly. By understanding these historical contexts, we can analyze how these images have shaped our cultural understanding and continue to influence contemporary power structures. What do you make of the city at the very bottom of the image, and the hands pointing to Christ above? Editor: Interesting. The city below could represent the earthly realm Christ is leaving, or some city like Rome itself. As for the pointing, it reinforces the importance of his ascendance into heaven as well as directs our eyes to follow him. I hadn't considered the perspective of power when viewing this artwork before! Thank you for offering that critical reading of this piece.