Jacopo di Cione and workshop – The Ascension Part 4 National Gallery UK

The composition presents a hierarchical arrangement centered around a figure ascending into the heavens. Above, within a gilded arch, stands a central male figure, radiating light and extending his arms in a gesture that suggests both blessing and departure. He is surrounded by winged figures, rendered with elaborate drapery and possessing an ethereal quality, which further emphasize their celestial nature. The gold leaf background behind them creates a sense of otherworldly splendor.
Below this elevated scene, a group of individuals are gathered, arranged on varying levels of a rocky terrain. They appear to be witnessing the ascension, their postures conveying reverence, awe, and perhaps a degree of sorrow. Each figure is encircled by a halo, signifying their sanctity. The artist has differentiated them through varied clothing colors – pinks, greens, blues, yellows – which adds visual interest while maintaining uniformity in their depiction as holy figures.
The arrangement of the lower group suggests a tiered social structure or perhaps different levels of devotion within the community being represented. Some kneel in supplication, others raise their hands in prayer, and still others gaze upwards with expressions of wonder. The rocky landscape upon which they stand provides a grounding element to the otherwise fantastical scene, anchoring the divine event within a recognizable earthly setting.
The painting’s palette is dominated by warm tones – golds, yellows, reds – that contribute to an overall feeling of warmth and spiritual intensity. The use of gold leaf not only enhances the sense of divinity but also reflects the artistic conventions prevalent during the period in which this work was created. The deliberate flatness of the figures and their placement against a relatively shallow background are characteristic of the stylistic approach common at the time, prioritizing symbolic representation over naturalistic depiction.
Subtly, there is an interplay between earthly sorrow and heavenly joy. While the lower group expresses reverence and perhaps loss, the ascending figure embodies triumph and transcendence. This duality speaks to the complex theological themes inherent in the narrative – the sacrifice of Christ and his subsequent return to God.