Hemelvaart van Christus en verkiezing van Mattias 1643 - 1646

This engraving by Claes Jansz. Visscher, made around the early 17th century, depicts the Ascension of Christ and the Election of Matthias. The division into two distinct scenes evokes a narrative structure common in medieval diptychs, yet here, it gains a new Protestant flavor. Notice the recurring motif of ascending and descending figures, a visual echo of spiritual striving and divine intervention. This act of ascent and descent is not new; from pagan mystery rites to ancient Near Eastern myths, rising above earthly bounds has always symbolized transcendence. We find it again in the ecstatic visions of mystics, mirrored in their artistic outpourings, as artists throughout the ages have grappled with portraying spiritual experiences. This visual language taps into our collective memory, stirring deep, subconscious associations. It speaks of hope, redemption, and the eternal human quest to overcome the earthly realm, resurfacing in our art, culture, and dreams across time.