Heavenly Ascent - Giulia Lombardi, 1750

The Story Behind

"Heavenly Ascent," captured by Giulia Lombardi in 1750, is a magnificent example of a Baroque ceiling fresco, overflowing with dynamic motion and celestial grandeur. The vast painting depicts a dramatic assembly of numerous figures—angels, cherubs, and mythological beings—ascending and swirling amidst voluminous clouds, bathed in a divine light that breaks through the heavenly expanse. The rich, earthy tones of the figures contrast with the expansive blues and whites of the sky, creating a powerful sense of depth and movement. This elaborate artwork is a testament to the period's mastery of trompe l'oeil and its fervent belief in grand narratives, designed to inspire awe and transport the viewer into a realm of spiritual and mythological splendor. It stands as a timeless representation of religious and allegorical painting from the mid-18th century.