The Ascension of the Virgin 

Curator: Looking at this pen and ink drawing, titled "The Ascension of the Virgin," the first word that comes to my mind is lightness. Editor: It's a Baroque ink drawing of ethereal beauty. Creti masterfully suggests the Virgin Mary's rise, surrounded by angels, all with just delicate lines. I see a promise of hope and redemption. Curator: It's incredible how Creti manages to imbue such a traditional religious subject with dynamism. The swirl of figures ascending really emphasizes the power of the Catholic church's imagery at the time, particularly in a city like Bologna where the Papal States still exerted enormous influence. Editor: And what symbolism do you gather? Curator: I see the iconography of apotheosis but think Creti also subtly incorporates local symbols to engage the Bolognese. This artwork, for me, becomes an artifact embedded with religious sentiment. Editor: I am drawn to the expressiveness of the ink lines themselves. The angels aren't just figures, they embody protection. And, given Mary's central role, what can we read into the composition about the veneration of the feminine? Curator: I do see your point. And think how the Catholic church was, politically, walking a tightrope at the time to try and retain as much influence as they could. A piece like this becomes incredibly fascinating from a political, public role angle. Editor: For me it still is incredibly fascinating from a feminine representation in this political religious imagery of baroque era Curator: Yes, that is a strong point and a crucial piece of our shared cultural heritage. Thank you. Editor: My pleasure. It is incredible how the visual and societal meanings interplay to enhance it over time!