Assumption of the Virgin 1500 - 1515

This is Jan Rombouts' "Assumption of the Virgin," a stained glass artwork. Rombouts created this piece between the late 15th and early 16th centuries, a period marked by significant religious and artistic change in Europe. The image depicts Mary, surrounded by angels, ascending to heaven. What does it mean to see Mary depicted in this way? Historically, depictions like these were powerful affirmations of faith, but they also spoke to the role of women within the church. Mary is elevated, yet her power is derived from her purity and motherhood, reinforcing traditional gender roles. The vibrant colors and luminous quality of the stained glass are meant to inspire awe, drawing viewers into a deeper emotional connection with the divine. The angels, some playing musical instruments, add to the sensory experience, creating a vision of heavenly harmony. Ultimately, this work encapsulates both the spiritual aspirations and the societal expectations of its time, inviting us to reflect on the enduring power and complexities of religious imagery.