Ascension c. 18th century

Curator: This print, "Ascension" by Johann Georg Bergmüller, presents a visually arresting scene. Editor: Yes, the upward diagonal thrust immediately conveys a sense of rising, of transcendence through the composition's directional force. Curator: Absolutely, and the engraving technique, with its dense cross-hatching, produces a dramatic chiaroscuro effect. The cultural context would be Bergmüller's engagement with religious iconography during his time. Prints like this served to educate and reinforce beliefs. Editor: Indeed, the iconography is overt, but I'm more drawn to the interplay of light and shadow that renders the central figure almost weightless, dissolving into the divine. The etched line becomes a conduit for expressing spiritual ecstasy. Curator: I see it more as a reflection of its time, mirroring the socio-political power structures in religious representation. Editor: Perhaps, but for me, the formal elements alone suggest a profound investigation of faith and perception. Curator: A valuable perspective, even if I tend to weigh its function in society. Editor: Agreed, it is always a balancing act.