The artwork, titled “Ascension of Jesus,” was created by Andrei Rublev in 1408. Originating from Vladimiro-aleksandrovskoye (now known as Alexandrovka or Aleksandrovskoe) in the Russian Federation, this piece exemplifies the Byzantine and Moscow school of icon painting art movements. The medium used is tempera on a panel, and the artwork’s dimensions are 125 by 92 centimeters. This religious painting, part of a series for the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir, belongs to the icon painting genre and is currently housed in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork depicts a significant religious event, the Ascension of Jesus. Central to the composition is the figure of Jesus, surrounded by a mandorla (a circular halo-like aura). Elevated above the ground, he is flanked by angels, illustrating his divine ascent. Below, a group of disciples, along with the Virgin Mary, are depicted gazing upward in awe and reverence. The figures are arranged in a harmonious and balanced composition, a characteristic feature of Byzantine icons. The painting’s subdued, earthy palette and delicate, yet expressive, lines reflect the spiritual solemnity of the scene, emphasizing its profound religious significance. Despite the passage of time and the wear evident on the surface, the artwork continues to convey its timeless theological message with clarity and elegance.
