VALDES LEAL Juan de Assumption Of The Virgin Juan de Valdés Leal (1622-1690)

Here we see a composition dominated by upward movement and celestial light. A central figure, draped in flowing blue robes, ascends towards a luminous sky. She is borne aloft on a swirling cloud formation, accompanied by several winged figures whose presence suggests divine escort or assistance. Their wings are rendered with considerable detail, catching the light and contributing to the overall sense of ethereal grace.
Below this ascending group, a crowd of onlookers is depicted in varying states of emotion. Some appear to be gesturing upwards, seemingly in awe or supplication. Others display expressions of grief or sorrow, their faces etched with lines suggesting age and deep feeling. The figures are clustered around what appears to be a sarcophagus or tomb, its presence grounding the scene and providing a visual anchor for the dramatic ascension above.
The color palette is largely warm – browns, ochres, and muted reds dominate the lower portion of the painting, contrasting with the cool blues and whites that define the upper regions. This contrast reinforces the separation between the earthly realm and the heavenly destination. The artist’s use of light is particularly noteworthy; it emanates from above, illuminating the ascending figure and casting a soft glow on the surrounding clouds, while leaving the figures below partially in shadow, emphasizing their role as witnesses to a momentous event.
The composition suggests themes of transcendence, divine intervention, and perhaps loss or mourning. The upward trajectory implies a release from earthly constraints, while the expressions of the onlookers hint at the emotional weight of this departure. The presence of the tomb underscores the transition between life and death, suggesting that the ascension represents something beyond mere physical movement – a spiritual elevation.