The Ascension icon is based on a Bible passage from Acts of the Apostles (Acts 1: 9-11) and depicts Christ ascending to His heavenly home from Mount Olivet near Bethany. His Mother, Mary, stands at the bottom of the image with angels and the faithful disciples. Depicted in the center of the icon is a stone with the imprints of Christ’s feet. This is the earliest known work by Yaroslavian icon-painters where the footprints from Mount Olivet appear. Later, the incorporation of footprints became a constant feature of Yaroslavian icons depicting the Ascension. A rock with a man’s footprint—said to be Christ’s—can still be seen in the Chapel of the Ascension on Mount Olivet near Jerusalem. Christ is shown inside a mandorla, or halo of light, blessing all with his right hand.
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