The Virgin of the Immaculate Conception 1768 - 1778

"The Virgin of the Immaculate Conception" is a drawing by the Italian artist Ubaldo Gandolfi, created between 1768 and 1778. The piece depicts the Virgin Mary ascending to heaven on clouds surrounded by cherubs and angels. The Virgin's hands are clasped in prayer as she looks up towards a multitude of stars that radiate from above. Gandolfi's dynamic composition and delicate use of line evoke the celestial nature of the scene, while the drawing's intimate scale suggests a personal devotional focus. This artwork is an excellent example of the Baroque period's penchant for dramatic and emotional depictions of religious themes.