Austrian painter, circa 1734, Assumption of Madonna, Austrian painter, circa 1734, Assumption of Madonna

71.5 x 37 cm

After her death, Mary is taken up to heaven with the help of angels. The apostles surrounding the sarcophagus witness the event and are shown in various emotional reactions to the miracle. One falls to his knees, the other raises his hands. Jan, in a green robe with a red cloak, puts his hand on his chest. Peter, in a blue robe with a yellow cloak, holds his hand in front of his heart. Mary herself seems surprised. Formally, it is a design for a large altarpiece. However, such images as the one presented here may have had different functions. In principle, such paintings were made as a model for a monumentally large altarpiece in order to present them to the client. Sometimes, however, the completed altarpieces were recreated in a small format for the artists to use in their own workshop, sell to collectors, or donate. However, painting students also copied such works for practice purposes or created them independently.
The composition was inspired by Sebastian Ricci's design for his large altarpiece for the Karlskirche, in Vienna from 1734. It is a kneeling St. Peter in blue robes with yellow mantle, and an apostle with raised hands, similar to Ricci's picture.
Size 71.5 x 37 cm
Oil on canvas