Coronation of the Virgin (detail)

The Coronation of the Virgin had never before been pictured with such splendour. Against a gold ground a round slice of heaven in dark blue, set with the sun and moon and numerous stars in gold and silver, serves as a foil for the heavenly throne on which Christ welcomes the Virgin into the topmost sphere of heaven. Both are dressed in gold, and together they share the centre of the symmetrical composition. With his right hand Christ is placing a crown on her head, while Mary has turned toward him and raised her hands in the gesture of an intercessor. Throngs of adoring angels take an active interest in the ceremony.

In his left hand Christ displays a book inscribed with a verse taken from the office for the feast of the Assumption.