The Ascension of Saint Benedict; verso: Ornamental sketches

Art Historical Context

In the late 17th to early 18th century, Bavarian artist Hans Georg As created *The Ascension of Saint Benedict a dynamic preparatory drawing that captures the saint's heavenly ascent amid swirling angels. Asam, part of the renowned Asam family of Baroque decorators, specialized in illusionistic frescoes and stucco work for South German churches, and this sheet reflects his skill in rendering dramatic religious visions. Saint Benedict, founder of Western monasticism, rises triumphantly, evoking the Counter-Reformation's emphasis on spiritual ecstasy and divine intervention. Executed in pen and black ink with gray wash and red chalk on a modest 7 9/16 x 4 5/16-inch sheet, the recto bursts with energetic lines and subtle tonal modeling that suggest volume and movement—hallmarks of Baroque draftsmanship. Construction lines in black chalk reveal Asam's meticulous planning process. Flipping to the verso reveals ornamental sketches in pen and ink, likely studies for decorative motifs used in ecclesiastical architecture, showcasing the versatility of such drawings in workshop practices. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (Purchase, Robert Gordon Gift, 2008), this intimate work highlights the preparatory artistry behind grand Baroque schemes, bridging personal sketchbook creativity with monumental sacred spaces. Visitors will appreciate its lively energy and glimpse into an era when art exalted faith.