The Assumption of the Virgin 1742

Charles Parrocel made this red chalk drawing, titled "The Assumption of the Virgin," in France during the early 18th century. It depicts a scene of religious ecstasy and the miracle of the Virgin Mary ascending to heaven. The drawing’s visual codes, like the upward gaze of the central figure and the presence of angels, create a sense of divine intervention, a key theme in the Catholic Church of that era. The social conditions of France at the time, still heavily influenced by religious institutions, shaped artistic production significantly. The Church was a powerful patron of the arts, and imagery like this reinforced its doctrines and moral authority. Parrocel, working within this system, utilizes his artistic skill to visually represent and celebrate the Church’s teachings. To truly understand this artwork, consider the religious, political, and economic structures of 18th-century France. Research into the patronage systems and religious art of the period could reveal more about its cultural significance.