Who painted The Ascension of Christ?

The Ascension of Christ was painted by Cosmas Damian Asam in 1720.

Where can I see The Ascension of Christ?

The Ascension of Christ is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Ascension of Christ?

The Ascension of Christ is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of The Ascension of Christ?

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

Artwork

The Ascension of Christ

Cosmas Damian Asam , 1720

The Ascension of Christ is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Cosmas Damian Asam. It dates from 1720 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:on verso at top left in graphite: Ferrilli[?]; at bottom center: [?] aus Studien; and at bottom right: b 131

About this work

Overview

The Ascension of Christ is a red chalk and gray wash drawing on laid paper, executed by Cosmas Damian Asam in 1720. This preparatory sketch captures a dynamic scene of upward motion, characteristic of Baroque influences.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a group of robed figures ascending in a swirling motion, their outstretched arms implying a reach towards a divine presence above, conveying the spiritual ascent of the Ascension.

Technique & Style

Asam employed loose, quick red chalk lines over a gray wash background, achieving a sense of movement and weightlessness through light, expressive strokes, typical of Baroque draftsmanship.

History & Provenance

Created in 1720 as part of a larger project for a church ceiling, this sketch demonstrates Asam's approach to composing religious themes for monumental spaces.