The Assumption of the Virgin

This Assumption is a late work by Agostino da Lodi, when the painter was living and working in Milan. The painting was probably the main panel in a polyptych for an altar, of which unfortunately no other elements remain. The pose of the Virgin is curious, and she is shown sitting rather than standing, as was more common in art at the time. It is interesting to note the apostle Thomas, shown standing on Mary’s right, holding a belt: according to one very ancient story, the Virgin returned from heaven to give the incredulous Thomas her own belt as proof of her assumption into heaven.