Ascension of the Virgin Mary Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)

The composition presents a dramatic and emotionally charged scene dominated by upward movement and swirling light. Here we observe a central figure ascending into a luminous, cloud-filled space. Her garments billow outwards, suggesting both ascent and divine grace. The artist has rendered her face with an expression of serene acceptance, looking upwards towards the celestial realm. Surrounding this ascending figure is a throng of smaller figures, presumably angels or heavenly beings, further emphasizing the otherworldly nature of the event.
Below, a group of individuals are gathered in apparent grief and awe. Their postures – kneeling, reaching out, covering their faces – convey a range of emotions from sorrow to reverence. The artist has used varied gestures to individualize these figures, creating a sense of collective mourning while simultaneously highlighting personal responses to the spectacle unfolding above them. A woman in red stands slightly apart, her expression conveying a complex mixture of sadness and perhaps understanding or acceptance.
The use of light is particularly significant. It emanates from the upper portion of the composition, bathing the ascending figure and surrounding angels in a golden glow. This contrasts sharply with the darker tones used to depict the group below, creating a visual separation between the earthly realm and the divine. The artist has employed a dynamic brushstroke throughout, contributing to the overall sense of movement and spiritual intensity.
The arrangement of figures creates a pyramidal structure, drawing the viewers eye upwards towards the central figure’s ascension. This compositional device reinforces the thematic focus on transcendence and the passage from earthly existence to a higher plane. The crowded composition and expressive gestures suggest a moment of profound religious significance, capturing both the sorrow of loss and the hope of eternal salvation.