The Ascension from a set of The Passion
Original title: The Ascension from a set of The Passion
kurzbeschreibung
This tapestry from 1592, part of a Passion cycle, presents Christ's Ascension. Wool, silk, and metal thread make up the fabric, measuring roughly 99.7 × 75.6 cm. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses the piece.
Description
Christ rises in a cloud, his gaze lifted upward. Below, the apostles and Mary gather, watching him go. Strong colors define the image, while faces and garments are rendered with great care. The composition ascends vertically, with Christ in the upper section as the vanishing point.
Context
Albrecht Dürer, known above all for his prints and paintings, also supplied designs for textile art. This tapestry was woven about 64 years after his death, indicating a late realization of his models. Passion motifs enjoyed great popularity in the Renaissance and Baroque, intended for religious edification.
Impact
The clear arrangement and lively colors make the Ascension immediately impact the viewer. A solemn, exalted mood pervades the image and draws the eye into the biblical event. Wool and metal thread give the tapestry a noble, festive feel.
Technique
Woven with 20 warp threads per inch (8 per cm), the tapestry employs wool, silk, and metal thread, indicating a high-quality execution. This dense weave enabled a faithful reproduction of the figures and patterns within the composition.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)