Pacino da Bonaguida, The Dormition of the Virgin
Detail from the left
side of a diptych in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
As specified in the Golden Legend, the apostles at either end of the
bier respectfully lift the Virgin by her winding-sheet to avoid
touching her body.
The liturgical aspect of the event is signified by the figure at the
far left with a stole
and ritual book, and by the overall solemnity of the treatment, which
is relieved a bit by the grieving gesture of the apostle at Mary's feet
(John the Evangelist?).
More
of the Dormition
Photo: Richard Stracke