Gerolamo da Vicenza – The Dormition and Assumption of the Virgin Part 3 National Gallery UK

The composition presents a complex narrative unfolding within a distinctly architectural setting. A large group of figures occupies the foreground, arranged on a patterned terrace delineated by a low balustrade. These individuals appear to be witnesses to an event occurring above them, their gestures ranging from reverent uplifted hands to expressions of solemn contemplation. The color palette is dominated by reds and greens, creating a vibrant yet somewhat theatrical atmosphere.
Above this gathering, a procession of winged figures descends, seemingly escorting a central figure enveloped within a radiant aureole. This central figure appears to be ascending towards an unseen destination, the light emanating from the aureole obscuring details of her form. The architectural backdrop is elaborate, featuring arched colonnades and what appear to be fortifications in the distance, suggesting a city or fortified complex. Banners with heraldic designs are affixed to the structures, adding another layer of symbolic detail.
The artist’s choice of perspective creates a sense of depth while simultaneously flattening the scene, characteristic of early Renaissance painting. The figures in the foreground are rendered with a degree of naturalism, though their poses and expressions lean towards stylized representation. The architectural elements, while detailed, appear somewhat schematic, serving primarily as a stage for the unfolding drama.
Subtleties within the work hint at deeper meanings. The presence of the balustrade creates a visual barrier between the earthly observers and the divine event, reinforcing the separation between the mortal realm and the celestial. The varied expressions among the witnesses suggest a range of faith responses – awe, wonder, perhaps even doubt. The architectural setting itself could be interpreted as representing both earthly power (the fortifications) and spiritual aspiration (the colonnades reaching towards the heavens). The overall effect is one of solemn grandeur, conveying a narrative of transition and ascension within a carefully constructed symbolic space.