The Assumption of the Virgin c. 1500

Michel Sittow rendered "The Assumption of the Virgin" in paint, during the late fifteenth or early sixteenth century. Here, the Virgin Mary ascends to Heaven, surrounded by angels, as she transitions from earthly life to divine glory, signified by angels bestowing a crown upon her head. The motif of the crown carries echoes from antiquity, where it symbolized triumph and imperial power, yet here, it is transformed. Mary’s raised hands, a gesture of supplication, remind me of ancient orant figures in early Christian art, embodying a plea for divine grace. The symbol appears in catacomb paintings, mosaics and even pre-Christian art, speaking to the subconscious longing for transcendence and connection to the divine. This visual language speaks to the power of collective memory, echoing through centuries, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. It highlights the non-linear progression of symbols, how they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different contexts.