The Ascension of Christ 1669 - 1711

Hans Georg Asam made this drawing, The Ascension of Christ, sometime around the turn of the 18th century. Executed in pen and brown ink with gray wash over black chalk on paper, this piece showcases traditional techniques. The use of ink and wash allows for delicate shading, enhancing the ethereal quality of the scene. This medium requires great skill and precision, demanding a steady hand and nuanced understanding of tonal values. The density of the wash creates depth and volume, particularly evident in the swirling clouds that carry Christ upward. The drawing probably served as a study for a larger composition, perhaps a fresco or altarpiece. During Asam’s time, the production of such drawings involved a structured workshop system. Apprentices would prepare materials, while masters executed the final artwork. Each line and shade reflects not just artistic inspiration, but also a process rooted in labor. By appreciating the materials and making of this drawing, we expand our understanding of its cultural and social significance.