Vrouw wordt in de hemel opgenomen after 1695

This etching, "Woman Ascending into Heaven", was created around 1695 by Johannes Drappentier. It reflects the religious and cultural values of the late 17th century, a period marked by intense spiritual contemplation. The figure of the woman, with her gaze lifted towards the heavens, embodies a soul in devout communion with the divine. The text ‘Abi Vanitas!’ suggests a rejection of earthly vanity, a common theme in religious art which often emphasized the transience of worldly pleasures in contrast to the eternal rewards of spiritual devotion. In a society where gender roles were strictly defined, the woman's ascent can be seen as a powerful expression of spiritual agency and transcendence. Drappentier uses the etching to present not just a religious scene, but an emotional journey toward enlightenment, inviting viewers to reflect on their own spiritual aspirations.