The meaning of this painting: The Blessed Virgin Mary has fallen asleep for the last time on earth: she has not died, for death cannot touch the body which was the first dwelling place of the Word made flesh. Our Lord Himself comes to carry her to Heaven in His arms, even as His Mother first held Him in her arms in Bethlehem: look just behind the head of the sleeping Virgin in this painting and you will see Mary pictured as an infant in the arms of Our Lord. The Apostles, gathered together by God's grace, witness this amazing sight and rejoice at the Blessed Virgin's wondrous transport from this world. Blessed be God in His angels and in His saints!
