Artwork
The Ascension of Christ
The Ascension of Christ is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Cosmas Damian Asam. It dates from 1720 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Ascension of Christ is a red chalk and gray wash drawing on laid paper, executed by Cosmas Damian Asam in 1720. This preparatory sketch captures a dynamic scene of upward motion, characteristic of Baroque influences.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a group of robed figures ascending in a swirling motion, their outstretched arms implying a reach towards a divine presence above, conveying the spiritual ascent of the Ascension.
Technique & Style
Asam employed loose, quick red chalk lines over a gray wash background, achieving a sense of movement and weightlessness through light, expressive strokes, typical of Baroque draftsmanship.
History & Provenance
Created in 1720 as part of a larger project for a church ceiling, this sketch demonstrates Asam's approach to composing religious themes for monumental spaces.
Artist & collection
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