The Assumption and Coronation of the Virgin

Albrecht Dürer

National Gallery of Art

The image is a detailed woodcut or engraving showing a scene with multiple figures. The upper portion of the image features a group consisting of three central figures seated on a cloud. The central figure, a female, is sitting with her eyes closed, head tilted slightly downward, hands clasped in her lap, and wearing flowing garments with a veil over her long hair. On her left, a bearded male figure is holding a staff or scepter in his left hand, while on her right, another bearded man is holding a large book. Both men gaze at the female figure, lifting a crown between them. Above the group, a dove is depicted with wide-spread wings, emitting rays of light. Below this celestial scene, on the ground in the foreground, stand several robed figures gazing upward. Two men, both bald and with beards, appear to be holding open books. The space around these people is filled with clouds and vegetation. The background features detailed trees and bushes. The lower foreground shows an empty stone tomb with an open lid. The figures are dressed in intricately patterned, voluminous robes.