Hemelvaart van Maria 16th century

This is an anonymous print titled "Hemelvaart van Maria", or "The Ascension of Mary" measuring 452 by 340 mm. The ascending figure of Mary is constructed through dense, curving lines that create a sense of movement and lightness, as if spiraling upward. The composition is structured vertically, divided into three distinct tiers: the mourning apostles below, the ascending Mary amidst swirling clouds and angels in the middle, and a hint of heavenly architecture above. This layering not only guides the viewer's eye upward but also symbolically separates the earthly from the divine. The artist uses the contrast of light and shadow to sculpt forms, adding depth and drama to the scene. The arrangement of figures and clouds suggests a visual hierarchy, reinforcing the theological narrative of ascension. The ascending Mary and the active gestures of the figures serve as signs within a semiotic system designed to convey the spiritual and doctrinal significance of the event.