Body of Virgin Mary in white lying on stone slab beneath altar decorated with vessels of flowers. Two angels mark left and right corners. Red heart at center of altar with seven swords lodged within heart. Duplicate image of 2007.D58.
Additional signature information: 115 Nassau St. New York, lower right corner (complete signature line in capitals.)
The tomb of the Virgin Mary is said to be located just outside of Jerusalem at the base of the Mount of Olives. Although biblical accounts provide no information about the end of Mary’s life or her place of burial, a church has been erected on what is thought to be the site of the tomb. Some legends say that the Virgin Mary died a natural death and was resurrected from her tomb three days after her death, just like her son Jesus Christ. Another version of her death states that she was “assumed” in bodily form, into Heaven. The Assumption of Mary is celebrated by Christians on August 15.
