Assumption of the Madonna c. 17th century

Curator: Jonas Umbach, a German artist from the 17th century, created this print, entitled "Assumption of the Madonna." Editor: It's a striking composition! The etching feels almost feverish, with that swirling cloud of figures ascending. There is a very immediate sense of transcendence. Curator: Right, the labor involved in creating such detail with etching tools! We can see the artist’s hand at work. Consider the social context of printmaking at the time, allowing for wider distribution of religious imagery. Editor: Absolutely. And think about the power dynamics inherent in religious art. Who is being elevated, and at whose expense? The male figures below seem almost bewildered, while the Madonna ascends, carried by cherubic figures. It represents a shift in power. Curator: I see it as a reflection of the religious fervor of the time, produced through an elaborate production process. The way he employs line to create depth—it speaks to mastery. Editor: It really underscores how these images were used to shape narratives and identities in a very hierarchical society. Food for thought! Curator: Precisely, and to consider what we have learned today about art making.