The Ascension of Christ c. 17th century

Curator: This is Cornelis Schut's "The Ascension of Christ", held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Schut, who lived from 1597 to 1655, powerfully visualizes Christ's ascent into heaven. Editor: It strikes me immediately as incredibly dynamic; the upward diagonals create an undeniable sense of movement and ethereal lightness. Curator: Indeed, Schut's work participates in the 17th-century Baroque's emphasis on emotion and drama, particularly within the Catholic artistic landscape where such imagery reinforced religious doctrine. Editor: Looking at the figures at the bottom, their varied reactions—awe, sorrow, supplication—underscore the emotional complexity of the scene, but it's rendered with incredibly subtle tonal gradations. Curator: The painting's impact extends beyond mere religious instruction; it served as a focal point for contemplation and a tool for reinforcing social hierarchies. Editor: And the swirling clouds contribute to this sense of awe and mystery, almost obscuring the figure of Christ, heightening the sense of the divine and unknowable. Curator: Studying how art blends religious themes with Baroque drama gives us a look into the period’s value system and artistic practices. Editor: A compelling piece where form and content work so harmoniously, revealing the essence of ascent, both physically and spiritually.