Assumption of the Virgin c. 17th century

Editor: So, this is John Collins’ "Assumption of the Virgin," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s an etching, with such dramatic upward movement. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This piece speaks volumes about the socio-political function of religious art. How does this depiction reinforce power structures, perhaps within the church or the state? Editor: I hadn't thought about it in those terms. Is it about legitimizing authority through divine imagery? Curator: Precisely. Consider how such images, displayed publicly, shaped popular belief and reinforced social hierarchies. The Virgin's ascent, witnessed by earthly figures, isn't just a religious event. What kind of cultural statement does it make? Editor: I see it now, as a way to visually assert dominance and control. Thanks, that’s a really interesting way to look at it. Curator: Indeed. It's crucial to examine how art serves as a tool for ideological propagation.