The Assumption of the Virgin

The Assumption of the Virgin by Nicolas Poussin, painted between 1630 and 1632, is a profound example of the French master’s early classical style, created while the artist was establishing his career in Rome. Executed in oil on canvas, this work depicts the climactic moment of the Virgin Mary's passage to heaven. Mary is shown ascending powerfully on a massive formation of clouds and cherubim, illuminated by divine light, looking upward toward a heavenly crown implied just beyond the frame.

Below the celestial event, Poussin carefully structures the figures of the apostles gathered around the empty tomb. Their poses and expressive gestures convey astonishment and fervent devotion as they witness the miraculous event. This organization, which clearly separates the terrestrial and heavenly realms, is typical of Poussin’s meticulous attention to disegno (design) and narrative clarity, distinguishing his work from the more overtly dramatic and tumultuous style of his Italian Baroque contemporaries.

Created during the vital period of 1601 to 1650, this painting demonstrates the artist's ability to fuse the coloristic richness learned from Venetian Renaissance masters with a commitment to the formal ideals of classical sculpture. Poussin’s influence was immense, shaping the trajectory of the French academy for centuries to come.

This canvas is classified within the French cultural tradition and stands as a key example of the artist’s mastery of history painting. While many works by this period's leading figures are now in the public domain, allowing for the widespread availability of fine art prints, this original piece remains a critical holding of the National Gallery of Art collection, providing crucial insight into Poussin’s formative years.