Today we see an early 17th century depiction of the Assumption. It is Peter Paul Rubens' Assumption of the Virgin. It is oil on panel, measures 16 feet by 10.6 feet, and is found at its original site in the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp, Belgium.
Rubens painted in the Baroque style and is known for his affirmation of Catholic doctrine during the latter years of the Counter-Reformation. This is particularly interesting because although he was born into a Catholic family, his father converted to Protestantism and then his mother converted the family back to Catholicism after his father's death.
This artwork contains the elements we have seen earlier in this series of Mary in her glorified body being assumed into heaven while the apostles ponder her absence from her tomb or casket. In this case, the artwork shows the three Marys (Mary Magdalene, Mary Cleophas and Mary Salome) gathering blooms of roses and lilies that have blossomed in Our Lady's empty tomb.
Rubens did many versions of this topic, one of which is in the Kunstplast Museum in Dusseldorf, Germany but this is the one that art historians and commentators generally favor.
Since today is the feast day, here is a link to the traditional Mass propers at Usus Antiquoir.
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