pictavium

In this sixteenth-century icon at the Church of Saint George of the Greeks in Venice, the Dormition of the Theotokos unfolds around the richly draped bier on which the Virgin lies, while Christ stands directly behind her holding her soul in the form of a swaddled infant. Apostles and other mourners press closely around the bed. Above them, two angels emerge against the gold ground; at either side, smaller groups of figures appear within clouds. From the densely gathered mourners below to the miraculous arrivals above, several moments of the narrative occupy the same pictorial field. The Dormition of the Theotokos, sixteenth century, Church of Saint George of the Greeks, Venice. Apostles appear in clouds beside the central scene. The Dormition of the Theotokos Across the lower part of the icon stretches the Virgin’s body, her head turned slightly towards the figures gathered beside her. Christ occupies the central axis. His warm red-orange garment separates him sharply from the tall...