Hemelvaart van Maria 1575 - 1595

This is Julius Goltzius's engraving, depicting the Assumption of Mary. The visual field is dominated by Mary, ascending to heaven amidst clouds and angels, while below, the Apostles gather around her empty tomb. The motif of ascent appears across cultures—consider the apotheosis of Roman emperors, or the ascension of prophets in ancient texts. Here, Mary's upward movement, framed by divine light and a host of angels, carries a potent symbolic charge. It echoes earlier depictions of heavenly ascent but is distinctively Christian, emphasizing salvation and spiritual transcendence. Notice too how this image stirs the collective memory, tapping into our shared human desire for elevation and deliverance. This yearning speaks to an unconscious hope for overcoming earthly constraints. The emotional resonance of this image lies in the visual promise of transcending the material world. Mary's open arms, almost mirroring the pose of the resurrected Christ, provide a sense of comfort. This symbol of ascent is not linear but cyclical, recurring in art across eras, each time imbued with fresh cultural meanings.