Kristi himmelfart 1743 - 1746

Marcus Tuscher created this delicate drawing entitled Kristi himmelfart, or Christ's Ascension, in the first half of the 18th century. Tuscher lived during the late Baroque and early Rococo periods, eras marked by dramatic and ornate artistic styles. This piece uses a grisaille effect, which refers to the monochrome execution to emulate sculpture. Tuscher presents a scene dominated by male figures, specifically God and Christ, surrounded by adoring angels. Notice how the characters are floating upwards. This emphasis of male divinity reinforces the power structures inherent in religious institutions of the time. Tuscher lived during a time of rigid social hierarchies, where the church played a central role in dictating moral and social norms. While seemingly traditional, the emotional intensity and dynamism of the composition invite viewers to imagine how religious dogma intersected with personal faith. The artwork is therefore a reflection of the artist’s engagement with these established narratives.