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The Ascension of the Virgin

Unknown

1550

From the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst

Dominant colour

The Ascension of the Virgin is a 1550 by Unknown, held at Statens Museum for Kunst.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1550
Where can I see it?: Statens Museum for Kunst

About this work

This black-and-white photo shows a chaotic crowd of people reaching upward. Some figures are on their knees, others stand with arms stretched out, and a few seem to be floating or being lifted. The scene feels packed and dramatic, with swirling robes and tangled limbs. The title *The Ascension of the Virgin* hints this might be a religious scene—likely depicting a moment where a figure (possibly a woman) rises to heaven. The heavy contrast between light and dark shapes makes the movement feel urgent. Look up *chiaroscuro* next to see how artists use light and shadow like this.