The Four Gospels

A full-page Byzantine-style illumination depicting the Ascension of Jesus Christ. The scene is set against a solid gold leaf background. In the upper portion, Christ is seated within a circular blue mandorla, dressed in golden-brown robes. He holds a book in his left hand and raises his right hand in a gesture of blessing. The mandorla is supported by two angels in flight, their wings extended upwards. Below the celestial scene, a red inscription reads "The Ascension." In the lower portion, the Virgin Mary stands centrally in an orans a gesture of prayer with arms outstretched and palms facing forward pose, wearing a dark blue maphorion. She is flanked by two angels in blue and white robes who point upwards. Surrounding them are the twelve apostles, depicted in various states of awe and conversation, looking toward the heavens. The figures stand on a stylized purple-brown rocky terrain punctuated by two slender green trees. The entire illumination is enclosed within a thick red border.