Assumption (recto) Portrait Heads, various Sketches (verso) n.d.

Guido Cagnacci created "Assumption" with pen and brown ink, and gray wash on laid paper in the 17th century. Consider the historical context of the Catholic Church during this period. What did it mean to depict a biblical scene like the Assumption of Mary? This drawing delves into the role of women in religious narratives and the societal expectations placed upon them. Cagnacci’s choice to portray Mary, surrounded by angels, invites us to reflect on traditional representations of femininity and spirituality, and the power dynamics inherent in religious art. The upward gaze of the central figure evokes an emotional connection, drawing us into the scene. This connects to the ongoing dialogues about gender and representation, offering a glimpse into the artist's perspective on the divine feminine. What can we discern from the emotionality of the figures? "Assumption" offers a space to contemplate the complex relationship between faith, gender, and artistic expression, and how these themes continue to resonate today.