Hemelvaart van Maria c. 1600 - 1652

This engraving by François Stuerhelt depicts the Assumption of Mary, a scene rich with symbols of heavenly ascension and divine grace. Mary rises, surrounded by cherubic figures, bathed in celestial light, while below, the Apostles gather around her empty tomb, witnessing her miraculous ascent. The motif of the ascending figure is an ancient one. Consider the Roman emperors carried aloft as gods, or even earlier, the sun gods rising into the heavens in Egyptian iconography. In each case, the figure represents triumph over earthly limitations and a union with the divine. The emotional impact of such images stems from our deep-seated desire for transcendence, mirrored in the upward gaze of the Apostles, reflecting their awe and the hope of salvation. The meaning of the Assumption continues to evolve. This image serves as a potent reminder of the cyclical nature of symbols, reappearing and adapting across cultures, reflecting our eternal quest for meaning and spiritual elevation.