Ascension

A panel from the former altarpiece of the chancel of Viseu Cathedral (1501-1506).
Arranged around a mass of rock, with a number of suggestive forms imprinted upon it, are the witnesses to the scene of Jesus Christ’s ascension to heaven, namely the Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene and the apostles. In order to highlight the ascending movement of Christ’s figure, which is only represented by the lower half of his body, the gazes of the characters are lifted upwards and their expressive verticality is accentuated by various theatrical gestures. This is the case with the figure depicted from behind, whose agitated hands are raised above his body, while the Virgin’s hands suggest the empty space that is left behind and give the scene an added sense of movement and drama.
Some faces are repeated from other panels in this series, especially that of Mary Magdalene, as well as some details, such as the figure displaying a multi-coloured cowl, in the style of plumage, which can also be seen on one of the apostles sitting around the table at the Last Supper.
One particular feature of the landscape, which includes a small boat amid a profusion of trees, is transcribed in a highly detailed fashion, in order to suggest the customary interplay between what is near and what is far away.