Assumption of Mary 

This is Gaspare Diziani's "Assumption of Mary," a sketch made sometime between 1689 and 1767, now held at the Städel Museum. In Diziani’s time, Venice was a society steeped in religious tradition, and the story of Mary's ascent to heaven resonated deeply. Consider the implications of representing a woman's body in a state of spiritual ecstasy. Traditionally, such depictions served to reinforce the Church’s teachings, yet they also opened a space to explore the complexities of female divinity. Diziani delicately balances these aspects, portraying Mary as both ethereal and human. Note the contrast between the ascending Mary, surrounded by angels, and the earthly figures below. This division highlights the theological concept of Mary as a bridge between heaven and earth, reflecting society’s relationship with religion and spirituality. How does Diziani invite us to reflect on our own beliefs?