Ten Hemelopneming van Maria of van een vrouwelijke martelares 1546 - 1614

This drawing, made by Cesare Nebbia, presents the assumption of the Virgin Mary in ink, a scene rich with symbolism. Mary ascends to Heaven, supported by angels amidst swirling clouds. This motif isn't confined to Christian art alone. The ascent, or "anodos," echoes through various cultures, from the apotheosis of Roman emperors to the ascension myths of ancient heroes. The act of rising above the earthly realm, of transcending human limitations, speaks to a universal yearning for spiritual liberation. The clouds here also serve a dual purpose. They are physical support, and a symbolic separation, masking the divine from mortal eyes. We see echoes of the cloud motif in countless depictions across time. A painted veil, a dream-like vision, the obscuring mist. Consider the emotional impact of a figure rising, a promise of hope amidst earthly struggles. Nebbia's Virgin Mary then, is not just a religious icon, but a cultural echo. She reminds us of humanity's enduring desire to overcome the material world, an archetypal image that continues to resonate in our collective psyche.