Artwork
Assumption of the Virgin Mary
Assumption of the Virgin Mary is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Niccolò Berrettoni. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
Overview
Niccolò Berrettoni’s mid‑17th‑century oil canvas portrays the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Executed around 1650, the work now belongs to the collection of the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. The composition centers on the risen Mary, elevated amid a host of angels, and is rendered in a warm, golden atmosphere that emphasizes the devotional tone of the scene.
Subject & Meaning
The painting visualizes the Catholic belief that Mary was taken bodily into heaven. She stands at the focal point, her arms outstretched and gaze lifted upward, symbolizing her triumph over earthly bounds. The surrounding angels, some supporting her garments and others looking skyward, reinforce the narrative of celestial approval and the sanctity of her ascent.
Technique & Style
Berrettoni employs chiaroscuro to model the figures, using contrasts of light and shadow that give the Virgin and her attendants a palpable three‑dimensional presence. A palette of blue, orange, and subtle greens against a luminous gold background creates depth while maintaining a serene, harmonious overall effect typical of Baroque religious imagery.
History & Provenance
After its creation in the 1650s, the painting entered various private and institutional collections before being acquired by the State Hermitage Museum, where it remains on display. Its documented history reflects the broader movement of Italian Baroque works into Russian imperial collections during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Artist & collection
Artist
Niccolò Berrettoni (1637–1682) was an artist, born in Province of Pesaro and Urbino.
