Hemelvaart van Maria 1633 - 1666

Jean Pesne created this print, ‘The Ascension of Maria,’ in the 17th century. The image depicts Mary being carried to heaven by angels, set against a backdrop that contrasts the earthly with the divine. Prints like this one were integral to disseminating religious and political ideas across Europe. Pesne, working in a time of strict social hierarchies and religious norms, presents Mary’s ascension not just as a spiritual event but also as a statement on female virtue and divine grace. Angels, traditionally gendered male, here seem to literally uplift Mary, reinforcing a subtle commentary on gendered power dynamics. Consider the emotional weight of the scene; Mary’s upward gaze and outstretched arms evoke a sense of hope and transcendence. This ascension narrative offered solace and reinforced the Church’s teachings, shaping personal devotion. The artwork invites us to reflect on how cultural narratives, rendered through art, influence both belief and social structures.