Onderboezem in de vorm van grafmonument c. 1656 - 1657

This print, conceived by Jean Lepautre, presents a design for a tomb, a stage for potent symbols. Here, the Virgin Mary ascends to heaven, a dove—symbol of the Holy Spirit—shines above her. This motif echoes ancient apotheoses, where emperors were deified, their ascent mirroring Mary’s divine acceptance. Consider the winged angels adorning the tomb’s base, their presence a recurrence of classical psychopomps, guiding souls to the afterlife. The flaming torch that the angel on the right side bears transforms the space into one of transition, illuminating this threshold between life and death. Note how the classical winged figures re-emerge, now with an overtly Christian message, embodying this timeless human desire for transcendence, forever oscillating between grief and the hope of eternal life.