Hemelvaart van Christus 1717

Bernard Picart created this print of the Ascension of Christ in the early 18th century, capturing a pivotal moment in Christian theology. The dominant symbol here is Christ himself, ascending into heaven surrounded by angels. The motif of ascension is ancient, pre-dating Christianity. We see it in depictions of Roman emperors rising to join the gods, and in the flight of mythical heroes. Yet, in this Christian context, the ascension represents not just power, but spiritual transcendence. The raised hands of the apostles below mirror Christ's ascent, a gesture of longing and supplication that echoes across cultures. Consider the ecstatic poses in ancient Bacchic rituals or the raised arms in shamanic traditions. The iconography of light is also powerful here. Light symbolizes divine presence. It is an emotional beacon, stirring deep-seated feelings of hope, longing, and spiritual connection. It is an image that continues to resurface and evolve, reflecting the enduring human quest for transcendence.