Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (1600) Annibale Caracci.

Today the (Western) Catholic church celebrates the Assumption of Mary. Tucked inside Rome’s Santa Maria del Popolo is the Cerasi Chapel, renowned for its two striking Caravaggio masterpieces. Yet above the altar, quietly commanding attention, hangs a third treasure: Assumption of the Virgin Mary (1600), a luminous work by Annibale Carracci that completes the chapel’s artistic triad. Carracci masterfully captures the moment of the Virgin Mary's ascent to heaven, surrounded by angels. The dynamic composition and vivid colors draw viewers into the scene, creating a sense of movement and divine energy. This piece is notable for its blend of realism and idealism, reflecting Carracci's deep understanding of human anatomy and his ability to convey spiritual themes