Dormition of the Virgin

Description This ivory relief represents the Dormition (Death) of the Virgin, known in Greek as the "Koimesis" ("falling asleep"). Surrounded by the grieving apostles, Mary lies on her deathbed while the figure of Christ receives her swaddled, child-like soul. Two angels descend with veiled hands to receive the soul and carry it to heaven. Saint Peter is shown on the left swinging a censer (incense burner), while Saint Paul, on the right, kisses the Virgin's feet.

Exhibitions

• Early Christian and Byzantine Art. Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore. 1947.

Provenance Paul Cassirer, Berlin, before 1924, by purchase; Henri Daguerre, Paris, by purchase; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1927, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters, 1927