The Ascension of Christ

Albrecht Altdorfer

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a group of figures gathered around a stone altar with an open book floating above in a cloud-filled sky. The drawing depicts several figures who appear to be looking upwards at the book which is surrounded by an abundance of clouds. The composition is filled with intricate line work. The stone altar and arrangement of figures give a sense of an important or mystical gathering, with an atmospheric mood accentuated by the swirling clouds. The artist's proficiency in capturing detailed textures and expressions is evident in the shading and cross-hatching techniques used.