Artwork

The Ascension of the Virgin

The Ascension of the Virgin, by Donato Creti, ink, 1710
The Ascension of the Virgin, by Donato Creti, ink, 1710

The Ascension of the Virgin is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Donato Creti. It dates from 1710 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Ascension of the Virgin is a drawing created by Donato Creti in 1710 using pen and brown and black ink on laid paper. It exemplifies the artist's distinctive style, characterized by a blend of neoclassical rigor and Rococo elements.

Technique & Style

The drawing features quick, uneven lines and varying ink densities, with darker areas achieved through layered strokes. Creti employed a technique of overlapping lines to build up shadows and shapes, creating depth without relying on color.

Subject & Meaning

The sketch depicts a group of figures ascending in a swirling, dynamic composition. The scene is likely a representation of the Assumption of the Virgin, a common subject in Christian art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Donato Creti

Artist

Donato Creti

Donato Creti (24 February 1671 – 31 January 1749) was an Italian painter of the Rococo period, active mostly in Bologna, Papal States.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.