The Assumption of the Virgin Mary

Titian started work on this stunning altarpiece, which measures 6.6 by 3.4 metres, in 1516 and it was placed in its marble frame on May 19th 1518. 

The Virgin is set against an arc of bright light, which completes the circle begun by the arch of the frame. She soars above the astonished apostles towards God the Father. To His right an angel holds a green crown, the symbol of earthly death, while to His left another angel bears a golden crown. 

At the start of the arch, amongst the heads of the angels, Titian painted the letters 'BE VIE' (Beata Virgine), on the left side, and 'GLO' (Gloriosa) on the right side. In the centre of the painting, at the bottom, is the artist's signature TICIANUS. 

In 1797, following the conquest of Venice by the forces of Napoelon Bonaparte, the painting became part of the spoils of conquest and was removed to Paris, where it spent the next two decades in the Louvre/ Museo Napoleone. In 1817, following the return of the painting to Venice, it was taken to the Academy of Fine Arts to be restored. It didn't return to the Frari until 1919. 
Titian's painting of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary adorns the high altar of the church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in Venice.
The Assumption of the Virgin by Titian