Assumption of the Virgin

"The Assumption of the Virgin" is a breathtaking fresco by Antonio da Correggio, a prominent artist of the Italian Late Renaissance. This masterpiece adorns the dome of the Cathedral of Parma, Italy. Correggio embarked on this ambitious project in 1522 and completed it by 1530.

What makes this fresco so captivating is Correggio's masterful use of perspective, drawing inspiration from Melozzo da Forlì. The fresco exquisitely depicts the Virgin Mary's ascension, encircled by a choir of angels. At the base of the dome, various biblical figures and apostles are represented, alongside the patron saints of Parma.

Correggio's innovative technique of foreshortening is particularly striking in this work. This method significantly influenced Baroque artists, who adopted similar techniques to create illusionistic ceiling paintings. Notable works inspired by Correggio's "Assumption" include Carlo Cignani's fresco in Forlì and Giovanni Lanfranco's fresco in Rome.