Initial A: Pentecost

Christ's Apostles gather around the Virgin Mary in a tight circle, ready to receive the Holy Spirit, which descends in the form of a white dove from the figure of God the Father above. The entire scene takes place within an initial A, formed by the curved bodies of two dragons intertwined at their necks. Stefano da Verona's use of a lively palette of softly blended colors, and his delicate application of gold highlights to show details in the landscape, are hallmarks of his painting style.