'The Death of the Virgin'

Photograph of a rectangular enamelled plaque created in the eighth century and now in the collection of the Louvre, Paris (MRR 243). Crafted in Limoges using the champlevé technique, this work depicts the exequies of the Virgin. The Virgin, wrapped in a mantle, lies on a draped bed, her hands crossed and placed on her chest. The Christ, together with a number of apostles and evangelists, is visible in the background. Rich foliage encloses two angels swinging censers in the sky.