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This magnificent and imposing vision of the Virgin Mary’s body and soul being taken to heaven was the central panel of a large polyptych (a multi-panelled altarpiece). It was made for the monastery of Sant'Agostino in Asciano, in the countryside near the Tuscan town of Siena. The Virgin is shown rising in majesty, high above the hills, trees and river of the landscape, her empty tomb below her. Saint Thomas strains to catch a pink ribbon – this is the Virgin’s belt, or girdle, which, according to legend, the Virgin dropped for him. Thomas had also touched Christ’s wounded side after the Resurrection. In both instances, Thomas served to prove the truth of the bodily resurrection. The city of Siena was dedicated to the protection of the Virgin Mary, and many glorious images of her could be found there.
Title
The Assumption of the Virgin
Date
probably 1474
Medium
Tempera and gold on wood
Measurements
H 331.5 x W 174 cm
Accession number
NG1155
Acquisition method
Bought, 1884
Work type
Painting