The Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ
16th century, Moscow School
Tempera on wood panel
32 1/8 x 26 3/4 in.

The Ascension of Christ took place on the Mount of Olives, and in this icon, the figures are set against a hilly landscape studded with olive trees. The Virgin is flanked by the twelve Apostles. Behind her stand two angels, dressed in white, pointing toward Christ, who is carried heavenward. The concentric circles bearing Christ symbolize the holy world that he is about to enter. The title of the icon is printed in Cyrillic characters in the upper corners.