In the years following his death, Jesus’ disciples come to think of Mary as their mother. Upon learning of her demise, they gather mournfully at her grave. Imagine their surprise when they find the grave empty! Behold: graceful angels whisk Mary off to heaven with aplomb. Above the painting, out of sight, a welcoming committee awaits. The Father, Son and Holy Ghost give her a royal welcome. Whoever has cherished shall themselves be cherished.
Assumption of the Holy Virgin
But I would rather be horizontal.
I am not a tree with my root in the soil
Sucking up minerals and motherly love
So that each March I may gleam into leaf,
Nor am I the beauty of a garden bed
Attracting my share of Ahs and spectacularly painted,
Unknowing I must soon unpetal.
Compared with me, a tree is immortal
And a flower-head not tall, but more startling,
And I want the one's longevity and the other's daring.
Tonight, in the infinitesimal light of the stars,
The trees and flowers have been strewing their cool odors.
I walk among them, but none of them are noticing.
Sometimes I think that when I am sleeping
I must most perfectly resemble them--
Thoughts gone dim.
It is more natural to me, lying down.
Then the sky and I are in open conversation,
And I shall be useful when I lie down finally:
Then the trees may touch me for once, and the flowers have time for me.
Assumption of the Holy Virgin
In addition to this painting, Rubens also designed the altar where the painting took centre stage. However, this altar was lost at the end of the eighteenth century. During this turbulent period of French occupation, the panel was transported to Paris. When the Assumption of the Holy Virgin returned to the Cathedral in 1815, a new altar had to be made. City architect Jan Blom provided the design. The result is a collage of recycled elements that still respects the narrative behind Rubens’ original design.
Assumption of the Holy Virgin
This masterpiece by Rubens is about coming home. Christians hope to find their true home with God. The painting depicts how Mary is en route to God following her demise. With much aplomb and with the assistance of enthusiastic angels, the Holy Virgin ascends towards the light. But the story doesn’t end at the top of the painting. Higher up there is a semi-relief with God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost. The Father and the Son are carrying a crown with which they will greet Mary. The Holy Virgin looks up and can already see God. She will shatter the frame of the painting and come home to heaven, where God is waiting. What joy to be reunited there with her son, whose death had caused her such immense grief.
