The Assumption of the Virgin 1655 - 1717

Jean-Baptiste Jouvenet rendered "The Assumption of the Virgin" in black and white chalk on blue paper. The sketch presents the traditional Catholic scene of Mary’s ascent to heaven, surrounded by angels, as the apostles gather around her empty tomb. During the 17th century, the Catholic Church emphasized the role of the Virgin Mary as an intercessor, especially during the Counter-Reformation. Jouvenet creates a sense of awe and transcendence, yet it also hints at the complex relationship between the divine and the earthly. The male apostles, rendered in a state of grief, look upon the divine scene, their expressions perhaps indicative of the religious and gendered hierarchies of the time. Mary rises, a symbol of purity, grace, and divine favor. She is an intercessor, one who is seen as empathetic to human suffering. The artwork highlights the traditional representation of women in religious narratives, while also evoking a sense of reverence and spiritual longing.