Hemelvaart van Christus c. 1661

This woodcut, made in the 17th century by the artist known only as Monogrammist GK, depicts Christ’s ascension into Heaven. Dominating the scene is the figure of Christ, surrounded by cherubic angels, holding a staff in his left hand, a symbol of authority and divine power. We see the motif of ascension throughout art history, a testament to humanity’s collective yearning for spiritual transcendence. Consider the earlier depictions of emperors carried aloft by eagles in Roman art, echoing themes of deification. Here, however, the ascension is laden with Christian symbolism: it’s not merely power, but also redemption and promise of eternal life. The emotional weight of this scene is palpable. The disciples, gazing upwards, capture humanity’s awe in the face of the divine. This motif, however, does not end here. In later works, we see echoes of this composition, adapted to new cultural contexts. The ascending figure morphs, yet the underlying theme of human aspiration endures, revealing the subconscious desire to rise above earthly bounds.