The Virgin Witnessing Christ’s Ascension
ca. 1440
The Netherlands, Utrecht
MS M.917/945, pp. 152–153
Purchased on the Belle da Costa Greene Fund with the assistance of the Fellows, 1963
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In general, the Saturday Hours of the Virgin emphasize the joyful or momentous events of Mary's life. After Christ's Crucifixion, the Virgin was consoled when he reappeared to her following the Resurrection. The Ascension marks the end of Christ's time on earth. In the miniature, Mary alone (she is usually joined by the apostles) is witness to her son's disappearance into the clouds, his reentry into heaven.