Neri di Bicci

The Assumption of the Virgin

1455-1456
After the Virgin’s death, her body was taken up into heaven. The Apostles gathered around her tomb find only flowers within. Some stare in amazement or are lost in grief; others, understanding the miracle, look heavenward to see the Virgin in glory. To relieve Thomas’ doubts, the Virgin offers physical proof, giving him her sash, a famous relic. At bottom is a picture within a picture: a Crucifixion, a reference to the Mass celebrated at the altar below this painting, which was commissioned for the Spini family chapel in Santa Trinita, Florence.
Title
The Assumption of the Virgin
Date
1455-1456
Medium
Painting
Materials
egg tempera with oil glazes, mordant gilding and gold leaf on wood, likely poplar
Dimensions
216 x 221 cm irregular
Nationality
Italian
Credit line
Purchased 1930
Accession number
3716.1