Hemelvaart 1600 - 1667

Michel Lasne created this print, Hemelvaart, whose title translates to The Ascension, in the 17th century. At this time, the Catholic Church played a dominant role in European society, influencing politics, culture, and everyday life. Lasne’s engraving depicts Jesus Christ ascending into heaven, surrounded by angels and observed by his apostles. Rendered in great detail, the artist captures the emotional intensity of the scene. The figures are draped in billowing robes, their faces conveying awe and reverence. Angels hover above, their presence emphasizing the divine nature of the event. This image reflects the religious devotion of the period, but it also provides insight into the power dynamics of the time. The Catholic Church used images like this to reinforce its authority and to convey messages of hope and salvation to the faithful. However, these images also served to remind the public of the Church’s power. The Church was a powerful force in society, and people’s lives were shaped by its teachings and practices. Lasne’s print encourages us to reflect on the complex relationship between art, religion, and power in the 17th century, a time of great social and political upheaval.