Ascension of Christ

After his death on the cross Christ rose from his grave. He made a number of appearances to several people. The final group were his disciples. He promised them that they would soon be baptised by the Holy Spirit. Then he ascended into heaven.

That is the moment Mantegna shows on this panel. Surrounded by angels, Christ ascends standing on a cloud. Below him are the disciples and Mary.

The panel was most likely the left wing of a triptych, with the Adoration of the Magi in the middle. The right panel shows the Circumcision.