The assumption of the Virgin, who rises with arms outstretched, angels supporting her from below, after Reni 1792

Carl Ernst Christoph Hess created this print of the Assumption of the Virgin after Guido Reni, at an unknown date. Consider the gendered context of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, where artistic expression was heavily influenced by social and religious norms, and the implications of creating an image of such a powerful, revered female figure. Hess’s Virgin Mary is not simply a religious icon; she embodies an ideal of femininity, imbued with purity and grace, as she ascends, supported by angels. Note how the composition directs our gaze upwards, encouraging a sense of awe. The very act of depicting her assumption challenges earthly constraints, offering a vision of transcendence. Through this image, we are invited to reflect on the expectations and representations of women during this period. It's a testament to the enduring power of religious narratives and how they intersect with personal and cultural identities.