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In the twelfth century in Europe there was an intense debate, especially in England, as to whether the Virgin's soul or her entire body ascended to heaven at her death. This debate is reflected in an illustration to the York Psalter in which the Virgin Mary's shrouded corps is escorted to heaven by an entourage of angels. This image is linked to a vision experienced by a German Benedictine nun, Elizabeth of Schonau (d. 1164). In its highly patterned appearance and use of non-naturalistic colours the image typifies the late Romanesque book-illumination of northern England.
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