The artwork titled “Dormition” was created by the artist known as “Orthodox Icons” around the year 1350. It belongs to the Late Byzantine/Palaeologan Renaissance art movement, which spanned from circa 1261 to 1453. The artwork is an icon depicting a significant religious event and is part of the series “Holydays and Events of Sacred History.” Currently, this piece is housed in the Pushkin Museum located in Moscow, Russia.
The artwork portrays the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, a significant event within the Christian tradition where Mary is believed to have fallen asleep and ascended to heaven. The icon displays a vivid scene showing the Virgin Mary lying on a bier, surrounded by the apostles. Above her is a mandorla containing Christ, who is depicted holding a small child, symbolizing the soul of Mary. The composition is dense and highly detailed, reflecting the characteristic stylistic elements of the Late Byzantine period. The use of rich colors, particularly gold, red, and black, along with intricate detailing, emphasizes the sacred and reverent nature of the portrayed event. The architectural elements in the background serve to situate the scene within a divine and heavenly context.