The Catholic subject of the Virgin Mary being taken body and soul into heavenly glory, commonly surrounded by angels above an empty or flower-filled tomb.
The Assumption of the Virgin represents Mary being taken into heavenly glory. Western compositions frequently place her above the apostles and an empty or flower-filled tomb, carried or surrounded by angels.
Etymology
From Latin assumptio, “a taking up.”
Sculptor Notes
The composition usually depends on a strong separation between earthly and heavenly zones. In relief or altarpiece sculpture, clouds and angels can create the transition, but they must carry real compositional load rather than simply fill the gap.
References
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/186236; https://www.metmuseum.org/essays/the-cult-of-the-virgin-mary-in-the-middle-ages