Artwork
Înălțarea Domnului
Înălțarea Domnului is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Simon din Bălgrad. It dates from 1795 and is held in the collection of the Alba Iulia Orthodox Archdiocese.
About this work
Overview
Înălțarea Domnului, created by Simon din Bălgrad in 1795, is a religious painting housed at the Museum of Ethnography. The work depicts a pivotal religious event with a central figure ascending amidst heavenly and earthly elements.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates the Ascension of the Lord, a central tenet in Christianity. The ascending golden-robed figure, likely Christ, is surrounded by symbolic elements: a halo, outstretched arms, clouds, and a divine glow, conveying divine ascension. Below, a group of brown-robed figures (possibly disciples) react to the event, emphasizing the earthly witnesses to the divine occurrence.
Technique & Style
The style blends traditional religious iconography with a somewhat subdued color palette, except for the golden robe of the central figure.
Compositionally, the artist employs a clear division between heaven and earth. Heavenly elements include clouds, angels with scrolls/books, halos, and a dark sky with a divine glow around the central figure. Earthly elements feature a hill with brown-robed figures pointing upwards, creating a dynamic of gaze and reaction. The style blends traditional religious iconography with a somewhat subdued color palette, except for the golden robe of the central figure.
History & Provenance
Created in 1795 by Simon din Bălgrad, the painting is currently part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography, indicating its recognized cultural and religious significance within the institution's holdings.
Context
Given its subject and style, Înălțarea Domnului reflects the religious and artistic traditions of its time, likely serving as a devotional or instructional piece for its original audience. The inclusion of angels with scrolls/books may also hint at the blending of religious narrative with elements of learning or prophecy.
Legacy
While specific influences or direct artistic lineage are not detailed, the painting contributes to the broader tradition of depicting the Ascension in Christian art, preserving a moment in the religious and artistic expression of its era.
Artist & collection
Artist
These drawings come from a 18th-century Romanian church tradition. They show scenes from the life of Jesus and Mary, like Botezul lui Iisus and Învierea lui Iisus, drawn in dark ink on paper. The figures are posed…
