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Dormition of the Virgin, The

Painting
Tempera painting on curved wood panel. This panel features a red, green, and mustard yellow border. There is a Cyrillic script caption in brown at the top. The focal image features a deceased Mary on a white burial shroud in red cloak and blue dress. Behind her stands Christ in brown and orange robes with his right hand outstretched and a child in his left. There are three orange angels above him. On the left of the painting at Mary's head are eight male Apostles and a winged angel with two black swords. On the right is a small kneeling man and an additional nine male Apostles.

2005.02.049

Panel

Tempera

Betsy Scheuring Icon Collection

2005.02

Betsy Scheuring

Gift

Gift of Betsy Scheuring

circa 1800

Russia

Icon

Symbol, Religious

Religious Objects

Ceremonial Objects

Category 08: Communication Objects

12-3/4 in

11 in

1-1/2 in

Spirit Made Tangible: The Scheuring Icon Collection (2006)

Cultural/Historical Context

In this sophisticated version of the Dormition, the figure of Christ is more effectively emphasized than in 2005.02.071. Here he stands within a gold mandorla, clearly separated from the surrounding group of Apostles, and he makes a gesture of blessing as he looks down at the Virgin. Immediately above Christ is a trio of Seraphim ready to receive the Virgin’s soul and transport it to heaven. The Apostles at the Virgin’s sides are symmetrically arranged in neat rows, and the secondary episode of St. Michael punishing a Jewish priest (seen below) is not allowed to overlap the Virgin’s prone form. The colors are very rich, and the architectural framework in the background is finely rendered. "

Dormition of the Virgin, The picture number 1