RUBENS, Peter Paul
(b. 1577, Siegen, d. 1640, Antwerpen)

Assumption of the Virgin (detail)

c. 1637
Oil on canvas
Liechtenstein Museum, Vienna

Differing from the earlier versions, here the Virgin is kneeling. The palms of her hands are turned upwards, which could be interpreted as a sign of supernatural transformation. Rubens repeats the Virgin's gesture in the figures of Sts Peter and John.