The Four Gospels

A full-page miniature in the Byzantine tradition depicting the Dormition of the Mother of God (Koimesis falling asleep/passing away). The scene is set against a brilliant gold leaf background and enclosed within a simple red border. In the center, the Virgin Mary lies in repose on a large, red-covered bier. She is dressed in a dark blue maphorion a long veil covering the head and shoulders over a black tunic. Standing behind the bier is Christ, nimbed and wearing gold-highlighted orange robes. He holds a small, swaddled infant-like figure in his left hand, which represents the soul of the Virgin being received into heaven. Christ is framed by a blue, almond-shaped mandorla an almond-shaped aureole surrounding sacred figures containing several angels in various shades of blue. Inside the mandorla, above Christ's head, are the abbreviations "IC XC" Greek monogram for Jesus Christ. Above the mandorla, the Greek title of the scene is written in red ink. Surrounding the bier are the Apostles and early Church Fathers. On the left, a group of figures includes a man swinging a golden censer (likely St. Peter). On the right, another group is led by a figure bowing deeply at the foot of the bier (likely St. Paul). Two figures in the background wear white vestments (omophoria bishop's stoles decorated with crosses), identifying them as bishops. Two architectural structures with red-tiled roofs flank the scene, suggesting a courtyard or interior setting. At the very top center, a blue four-pointed celestial symbol descends from the upper frame. In the foreground, two tall golden candlesticks stand before the bier.

DORMITION

JESUS CHRIST