Apotheose zweier weiblicher Heiligen (Helena_) 

Gaspare Diziani created this red chalk drawing, Apotheosis of two female saints, in the 18th century. This was a period when the Catholic Church sought to reaffirm its spiritual authority, often representing women in idealized forms that emphasized their piety and virtue. Here, Diziani sketches the ascent of two female saints into heaven, surrounded by angels. The women's faces are upturned, expressing devotion, as they ascend towards the cross. But consider for a moment that this apotheosis, this being raised to divine status, is happening within a patriarchal structure. The Church dictated the terms of their sainthood, often celebrating women who embodied submission and sacrifice. Diziani's delicate lines capture a sense of ethereal grace, yet, I'm left wondering about the stories that remain untold: the personal struggles, the quiet acts of resistance that might have shaped these women's lives. As you look at this drawing, reflect on the complex interplay between personal faith, societal expectations, and the stories we choose to elevate.