Assumption of the Virgin

Art Historical Context

Welcome to the Robert Lehman Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where Jacopo Sansovino's *Assumption of the Virgin* (ca. 1560) captiv with its intimate scale and spiritual drama. This small plaquette—measuring just 13. x 8.5 cm and weighing nearly 600 grams—depicts the triumphant moment of the Virgin Mary's ascent to heaven, surrounded by adoring angels. Sansovino, a leading Venetian sculptor and architect of the High Renaissance, masterfully captures this biblical scene in low relief, blending classical grace with dynamic energy that hints at emerging Mannerist influences. Crafted from copper alloy, the plaquette boasts a warm light brown patina sealed beneath a dark brown lacquer or wax, enhancing its luminous depth and protecting its fine details. Plaques like this were prized Renaissance collectibles, often used for private devotion, study, or display in scholarly cabinets, reflecting the era's fascination with antique cameos and gems. Sansovino's expertise in bronze casting shines here, with fluid drapery and ethereal figures evoking the heavenly realm. Acquired for the Lehman Collection in 1975, this gem underscores the cultural reverence for Marian iconography in 16th-century Italy, inviting visitors to ponder faith, artistry, and the divine in a remarkably portable form.