Gospel in Art: The Ascension of Our Lord

Ascension, by John Singleton Copley (1738-1815), 1775,© Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 18 May 2023
Matthew 28:16-20

The eleven disciples set out for Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had arranged to meet them. When they saw him they fell down before him, though some hesitated. Jesus came up and spoke to them. He said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.'

Reflection on the painting

American born artist John Singleton Copley spent six months in Rome, where he was inspired by the works of the great Renaissance painter Raphael (1483-1520) in order to paint this composition. He based it mainly on Raphael's "Transfiguration" which is at the Vatican. He spent all six months searching for the ideal composition. As with any neo-classical painting, it has a very distinct clarity of composition. Christ is in the top two thirds of the painting and the disciples in the lower third. Today's Gospel reading says 'When they saw him they fell down before him, though some hesitated'. We see this depicted: the hesitation shown by the disciples to the right of the canvas where the angels have to explain what is going on; a figure is kneeling, overcome by the emotion of the events; other disciples are throwing their hands in the air in praise; surprise; adoration; joy… it is all there in this painting.

The essence of today's feast is in Jesus' words and promise: "I am with you always; yes, to the end of time." He is with us at all times and in all places. At his Ascension Jesus entered Heaven, and there he keeps the doors open for humanity to enter.

If I may, I want to draw an analogy (which is of course is slightly flawed). It is, nevertheless, an anecdote that I would like to share with you, as yesterday we discussed Leonardo da Vinci. Da Vinci had started working on a large painting in his studio. He worked on it for a while, outlining its composition, colours, detailing etc. One day, he stopped working on the painting and asked one of his students to complete the work. The anxious student protested that he was both unworthy and unable to complete the great painting which Leonardo, his master, had begun. Da Vinci summoned him and silenced him: 'Will not what I have done inspire you to do your best?'. Today, as Jesus ascends into heaven, he is leaving the canvas of our world into our hands...

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-28-16-20-2023/