The Assumption of the Virgin 1530 - 1573

Geoffroy Dumoûtier made this image of 'The Assumption of the Virgin,' a print, during the 16th century. The Virgin Mary is depicted rising to heaven, surrounded by light and angels, an established visual symbol of divine grace and favor. Consider the halo, not merely an aesthetic addition, but a symbol resonating across millennia. In ancient Roman art, it signified power and divinity, often adorning emperors. Here, it marks Mary’s sacred status, her divine destiny. Note how the upward movement is also a motif found in various ascension scenes across cultures, from pagan rituals to depictions of mythical heroes rising to the heavens. The gesture appears throughout art history. There's a psychological resonance to this image. The collective desire for transcendence, for overcoming earthly constraints, is a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. As we observe this image, we participate in the continuous, non-linear journey of symbols, one where meanings evolve, transform, yet always carry echoes of their past.