Artwork
The Assumption of the Virgin
The Assumption of the Virgin is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Juan Vicente Ribera. It dates from 1700 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Overview
Juan Vicente Ribera's *The Assumption of the Virgin*, painted in 1700, is an oil work depicting the Virgin Mary's ascent to heaven. This piece exemplifies the early Baroque Italian style that influenced Spanish painting at the turn of the 18th century. It is currently housed in the Museo del Prado, representing a significant example of religious art from this period.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates the Virgin Mary's bodily assumption into heaven, a central tenet of Catholic doctrine.
The painting illustrates the Virgin Mary's bodily assumption into heaven, a central tenet of Catholic doctrine. She is shown ascending amidst a celestial host of angels and cherubs, with a dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit. Her upward gaze and outstretched hands convey spiritual rapture, while the surrounding clouds and divine light emphasize the miraculous nature of her journey to the divine realm.
Technique & Style
Ribera employed an early Baroque Italian style, evident in the dramatic composition and vibrant palette. The artist's use of chiaroscuro, with its pronounced contrasts between illuminated figures and shadowed areas, enhances the sense of divine light and spiritual intensity. Dynamic brushwork and a strong upward diagonal draw the viewer's eye, creating a feeling of movement and celestial energy appropriate for the subject.
History & Provenance
Created by Juan Vicente Ribera in 1700, this painting reflects the artistic currents prevalent in Madrid during the early 18th century. Ribera was a Spanish painter active in the capital, contributing to the religious art landscape of his time. *The Assumption of the Virgin* is now part of the esteemed collection of the Museo del Prado, where it serves as a historical example of Spanish Baroque painting.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Juan Vicente Ribera was a Spanish painter, practicing at Madrid in the early part of the 18th century.
