Who painted Ascension of Christ?

Ascension of Christ was painted by Pietro Perugino in 1450.

Where can I see Ascension of Christ?

Ascension of Christ is held by Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon.

What movement is Ascension of Christ?

Ascension of Christ is associated with High Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Ascension of Christ?

Museum-quality prints of Ascension of Christ are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Ascension of Christ

Pietro Perugino , 1450

Ascension of Christ is an oil painting by the High Renaissance artist Pietro Perugino. It dates from 1450 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon.

About this work

Ascension of Christ is an oil painting by Pietro Perugino, dated around 1450. The work measures a massive 325 cm tall by 265 cm wide, showing Perugino’s early scale.

It served as the prototype for his later Sansepolcro Altarpiece, linking two important commissions in his career.

If you’re interested in seeing where it hangs, check out the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon.

Overview

Pietro Perugino’s oil on canvas titled Ascension of Christ dates from the late 1490s, roughly between 1496 and 1499. The monumental panel measures about 325 cm in height and 265 cm across, underscoring the artist’s ambition for large‑scale religious works. It currently resides in the Musée des Beaux‑Arts de Lyon, where it is displayed among the museum’s Renaissance holdings.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts the biblical episode of Christ’s ascent into heaven, a theme frequently employed in late‑medieval and early‑Renaissance altar art. Perugino arranges the figures to emphasize the divine elevation, using a clear, balanced arrangement that invites contemplation of the salvific event.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil, the painting showcases Perugino’s characteristic soft modelling of forms and harmonious colour palette. The work features his signature serene expressions and gentle chiaroscuro, while the expansive landscape background reflects the artist’s interest in integrating figures within a unified spatial setting.

History & Provenance

The panel functioned as a preparatory model for Perugino’s later Sansepolcro Altarpiece, linking two significant commissions in his career. After its creation, the work entered private collections before being acquired by the Musée des Beaux‑Arts de Lyon, where it has remained since the early twentieth century.