Death of the Virgin

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Death of the Virgin
Moscow School, 15th-16th c.

This icon is typical of the Byzantine representation of the death of the Virgin. It originated in Syria or Palestine. The apostles are gathered round the bier with the dead Virgin, Peter and Paul in first place. The four figures are wearing omophorion with large crosses. In hagiography they represent the first persons who recorded the legend of the death of the Virgin or who spread the legend in their preaching. Christ stands at the back holding a tiny spirit representing the soul of the Virgin which the angels standing either side of Him will carry to heaven. The icon is framed by two Byzantine towns. The angel in front of the bier is cutting off the hand of a Jew who blasphemed the Virgin.