The Dormition of the Virgin Mary

French, second half of 15th century
Marble
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

This small sculpture includes only five of the apostles. The three standing directly behind the bier hold a candle, a book, and an aspergillum an implement for sprinkling holy water – objects used in the service for the dead. Additionally, Mary herself holds a candle.

Read more about images of the Dormition.

Photographed at the museum by Richard Stracke, shared under Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license.