The assumption of the Virgin, who rises with arms outstretched, angels supporting her from below, after Reni

Art Historical Context

Behold *The Assumption of the Virgin a stunning 1792 engraving that captures Guido Reni's masterful Baroque vision of the Virgin Mary ascending to heaven. With arms outstretched in ecstatic reverence, she is gently supported from below by a host of adoring angels, their forms swirling in dynamic harmony. This reproductive print, meticulously crafted by English engravers Valentine Green and Rupert Green, with contributions from Carl Ernst Christoph Hess published by V. &. Green in London, faithfully reproduces Reni's elegant composition from the early 17th century. Reni, a leading figure of the Bolognese School, blended classical grace with emotional intensity, drawing from Raphael's poise and Caravaggio's drama. The Assumption—a pivotal Catholic doctrine depicting Mary's bodily ascent—holds profound cultural and spiritual significance, symbolizing triumph over death and divine glory. Such scenes were central to Counter-Reformation art, inspiring devotion across Europe. Measuring an impressive 24 5/8 × 16 9/16 inches (trimmed), this large-scale engraving exemplifies 18th-century printmaking's power to democratize high art, allowing collectors far from Italy to own Reni's splendor. Now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Elisha Whittelsey Collection (acquired 1951), it invites us to marvel at how technique preserves timeless faith and beauty.

About the Artist

Guido Reni|Valentine Green|Rupert Green|Carl Ernst Christoph Hess|V. & R. Green, London · 1575–1642

Guido Reni (1575–1642) was one of the most celebrated Italian painters of the Baroque era and the dominant figure of the Bolognese School. Born into a family of musicians in Bologna, he trained first with Denys Calvaert before joining the influential Accademia degli Incamminati led by Ludovico Carracci. Reni achieved international fame through his idealizing style that combined Baroque dynamism wi...