Assumption of the Virgin
1534
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1534
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This print shows a woman floating above a crowd, surrounded by clouds and angels. She wears a long robe and sits with her hands folded. Below her, a group of bearded men kneel or stand, some pointing upward. Two cherubs hold tall staffs, and smaller angels hover around the woman. The print uses deep shadows and strong contrasts to make the figures stand out. The woman’s face is calm, while the men below look upward with different expressions—some hopeful, some serious. Next, look up chiaroscuro to see how this technique creates drama.
