Hemelvaart van Christus: goddelijkheid 1585 - 1588

Johann Sadeler I created this engraving of "Hemelvaart van Christus: goddelijkheid," or "Ascension of Christ: Divinity," sometime between 1550 and 1601. During this time in Europe, religious art played a critical role in shaping the cultural and spiritual identities of the people. In this print, Sadeler depicts a pivotal moment in Christian theology. Christ ascends to heaven, surrounded by clouds and light. Below, his disciples react with awe, some kneeling in prayer, their faces a mix of reverence and wonder. The idealized depiction of Christ, with his serene expression and outstretched arms, reinforces traditional notions of divine power and authority. Yet, if you look at the faces of the people in the crowd, there's also a sense of personal connection and emotional response to the divine. Sadeler’s choice to depict this scene through the precise lines of an engraving reflects the period’s emphasis on detail and clarity, while reminding us of the deeply personal and communal aspects of religious experience.