The Dome of the Pauline Chapel of Sant Maria Maggiore Basilica (Rome), by Cigoli (1559–1613). The Assumption of Mary was painted inside the cupola by Ludovico Cardi nicknamed Il Cigoli . Above the clouds, the Blessed Virgin is transported towards the Heavens. The moon underneath her feet was painted exactly as it had been revealed through the telescope of Galileo, who was a friend of Cigoli. The Apostles, some seated while others are standing, gaze at the triumphant Mary as she holds a queen’s scepter in her hand. Before the Virgin, who has crushed the serpent under her foot, the heavens open and the choirs of angels rejoice. From this multitude, a smaller group of cherubs draws closer to Mary, and clothed in the clouds they form a throne with their golden wings. Other cherubs blow horns, play trumpets and scatter flowers. Above them, we can see a myriad of angelic spirits, whose heads alone are fully visible.