Description
The Assumption of the Virgin is an extraordinary work of art by Titian that expresses the ecstasy of the ascent of the Virgin Mary to heaven.
The virgin rises on a wave of clouds and as she enters the kingdom of God, she opens her arms in ecstasy.
The image brings to life what might otherwise be a difficult theological concept to visualize. Beneath his cloud, the physical realm of earthly life is crowded and chaotic: the men in the lower section are surprised, alarmed, and amazed. On the contrary, the space of the sky is given a geometric elegance, a circle of resplendent light where there is no cause for panic but a place of serenity.
The Assumption of the Virgin is characteristic of the trend towards vivid colors with luminous qualities that Titian favored in the early part of his artistic career. Later in life, however, his style evolved to favor more subtle color tones and highly realistic shadows. The paints used by Titian were composed of gum turpentine and linseed oil, among other unknown ingredients. Titian's brushstrokes were charged with color to create a great visual impact on the viewer. The composition of the painting is brilliantly designed to draw the eyes upward in a pyramid shape, beginning with the red-robed apostles at the bottom, to the red gown of Mary, and finally to the red robe of God himself at the top. .
Painted in bold, high-contrast colors, the Assumption of the Virgin oil painting depicts the miraculous resurrection of Mary, the mother of Jesus, into heaven. On the ground, the apostles bid her farewell, approaching the figure of Mary raised by angelic cherubs in the midst of the clouds. The old, masculine personification of God gazes at Mary from the golden light of heaven while an angel at his side carries a crown to present to Mary.
The completed painting is six meters tall and is said to be the most famous painting of the Assumption of Mary ever created.