Two questions on the icon you posted.
First, if the men falling off are bishops, was that inspired by St. John Chrysostom ("the way to hell is paved by the skulls of bishops"?!)
Second, is there an icon with Mary at the top of the ladder? I know some saints have had such visions of a ladder with her at the top. (like St. Francis of Assisi)
Brother in Christ
"First, if the men falling off are bishops, was that inspired by St. John Chrysostom ("the way to hell is paved by the skulls of bishops"?!)"
I doubt it. Recognizing the particularly precarious position of hierarchs was/is a common ability in the East.
"Second, is there an icon with Mary at the top of the ladder? I know some saints have had such visions of a ladder with her at the top. (like St. Francis of Assisi)"
Never saw such a thing though I suspect if such a picture exists it is both Western and a take off on the original.