Description
Christ and the Virgin in Glory forms the culmination of the Marian cycle in the apse of the Upper Basilica at Assisi. After the scenes devoted to Mary's death, Dormition and Assumption, the sequence concludes with her full incorporation into the heavenly realm, seated beside Christ upon the same throne. The shared throne carries a strong theological meaning.
Mary appears as an intercessor and as an image of the glorified Church, while Christ occupies the centre of an extensive celestial community beside her. Angels, patriarchs, prophets and saints are arranged around the central pair. Their ordered presence creates a hierarchy of heaven and places Mary within the entire history of salvation. Saint Francis and members of his order are especially significant.
