Hemelvaart van Maria 1881

Charles Courtry created this print, Hemelvaart van Maria, at an unknown date. This monochrome print depicts the Virgin Mary ascending, surrounded by cherubic figures. The visual field is dominated by the contrast between the dark robes of Mary and the ethereal lightness of the angels, creating a palpable sense of movement. The composition here is cleverly structured around the semiotic codes of religious art, especially concerning the representation of the divine. The upward gaze and clasped hands of Mary direct our own gaze heavenward, while the clustered cherubs act as visual anchors, stabilizing the upward thrust of the composition. Notice how Courtry uses light and shadow to create a texture that is not merely decorative but deeply symbolic. This print, therefore, is not just a rendering of a biblical scene; it is a carefully constructed argument about faith, elevation, and the very nature of visual representation itself. The formal elements function to challenge the viewer to move beyond the surface narrative, engaging with the broader cultural and philosophical implications.