Artwork
The Assumption of the Virgin

The Assumption of the Virgin is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Baldassare Franceschini. It is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Assumption of the Virgin is a drawing by Baldassare Franceschini, created around 1667. It is executed in red chalk on cream laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts figures wrapped in drapery, ascending in a dynamic, chaotic manner. The composition is dominated by swirling lines, with faint circular forms suggesting faces or halos, but lacks a defined background.
Technique & Style
The work is characterized by expressive, varied red chalk lines that convey a sense of urgency and energy. The artist's use of a single medium creates a cohesive, spontaneous appearance.
Context
The drawing's dynamic energy is consistent with the artistic trends of the Baroque period, which often featured intense, emotive, and highly expressive works.
Artist & collection
![Baby [verso], by Baldassare Franceschini](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/baldassare-franceschini--baby-verso--070e4d9e6f984e17-w320.webp)


![Female Saint Carrying a Banner [recto], by Baldassare Franceschini](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/baldassare-franceschini--female-saint-carrying-a-banner-recto--7b0a38585a5ad76d-w320.webp)
![Drapery Studies [recto], by Baldassare Franceschini](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/baldassare-franceschini--drapery-studies-recto--8283f7732b58979e-w320.webp)


![The Ecstasy of Saint Francis [recto], by Sebastiano Ricci](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/sebastiano-ricci--the-ecstasy-of-saint-francis-recto--5f53f9b59775e5dd-w320.webp)








