Hemelvaart van Christus 1597

Jan Collaert II's engraving presents the Ascension of Christ, laden with potent symbolism, as Christ ascends into heaven surrounded by clouds. The upward-reaching gestures of the apostles echo the ancient "ad locutio" gesture, a form of address used by Roman emperors to communicate with their legions. This motif, signifying authority and divine connection, predates Christianity. Now, the ascending Christ mirrors these Roman figures of power, yet with a distinctly spiritual message. The figures below, with their open mouths and gazes fixed upwards, evoke a sense of awe and astonishment. It represents a shared emotional experience, engaging viewers on a subconscious level by tapping into primal fears and hopes. The symbol of the ascending figure recurs throughout art history in various guises, constantly being reshaped and imbued with new significance. Thus, the enduring symbols of the Ascension is a testament to the cyclical nature of cultural memory, constantly re-emerging in new forms across time.