A gorgeous domed Orthodox Church provides the stunning background for the Virgin Mary's ascension into heaven. She is floating on a cloud followed by apostles, saints and archangels. Christ welcomes His mother by accepting a petition, while numerous saints in the costumes of kings, bishops and hermits are below on the earthly level. In this complex collection of scenes devoted to a single miraculous event, the artist has skillfully created an impression of heaven and earth, and how each realm is intimately connected with the other through faith and piety.