Maria Hemelvaart 1528 - 1620

This drawing of the Assumption of Mary was made anonymously in pen and brown ink, brush and brown wash, over graphite. The scene suggests a moment of miraculous transition, showing the Virgin Mary’s ascension to heaven in the presence of the apostles. This subject matter was particularly resonant in the cultural context of the Counter-Reformation, when the Catholic Church sought to reaffirm traditional doctrines in response to Protestant challenges. Religious imagery served as a powerful tool for propagating faith and reinforcing institutional authority. Looking at the image itself, we see an emphasis on emotion and drama, typical of the Baroque aesthetic. The apostles are shown in various states of awe and wonder, their gestures and expressions conveying the miraculous nature of the event. By studying similar drawings and prints from this period, and by looking at theological texts and devotional practices, we can gain a deeper understanding of this work's historical and cultural significance.