Acension of Enoch c. 1583

Curator: This is "Ascension of Enoch" by Hieronymus Wierix, dating from around the late 16th, early 17th century. Wierix was a Flemish engraver, and this piece is a testament to the religious fervor of the era. Editor: Wow, it feels like a Renaissance superhero origin story! He's ascending in a swirl of clouds, muscles bulging, with everyone below looking suitably astonished. Curator: Indeed. Enoch, a figure from Genesis, is described as having "walked with God," and this print visualizes his translation to heaven, bypassing death. It speaks to theological debates about salvation. Editor: I get a sense of hope and maybe even liberation? Like, there's a way out of the mundane, a path to something greater. The engraver did a fantastic job with the swirling clouds. Curator: Absolutely. The composition emphasizes a direct connection between the earthly and divine realms, reflecting a broader societal yearning for spiritual transcendence. Editor: It’s kind of inspiring to think about how, even centuries ago, people were grappling with the same big questions about life, death, and what might be beyond. Curator: Precisely. The print becomes a mirror reflecting our own enduring search for meaning and connection. Editor: It definitely makes you think about your own journey, doesn't it?