The artwork “Assumption of Virgin” by Peter Paul Rubens is a religious painting created in 1620. This oil on canvas creation is a quintessential example of the Baroque art movement, known for its expressive detail, rich colors, and dynamic movement. Measuring an impressive 458 x 297 cm, the artwork finds its home at the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Depicting the biblical scene of the Virgin Mary’s ascent to heaven, the artwork is designed with a dramatic flair characteristic of the Baroque era. The composition is replete with a host of angels surrounding Mary as she is elevated amidst a celestial glow. Below this divine spectacle, a group of the apostles gaze upward, their expressions and gestures capturing a range of emotions from awe to adoration. The use of light accentuates Mary and the angels, creating a focal point that draws the viewer’s eye to the heart of the celestial assembly. The color scheme is replete with contrasts, casting shadows that lend depth to the scene and highlight the figures’ three-dimensionality.
The drama and movement in the artwork are palpable, with the ascending Virgin and swirling mass of cherubs creating a sense of upward motion. The apostles at the base provide a terrestrial anchor to the scene, their earth-bound presence in stark contrast to the heavenly ascent above. This powerful work is a testament to Rubens’ mastery of the Baroque style, his ability to convey profound religious experiences with a dynamic and emotive visual language.
