Artwork

The Death of the Virgin

The Death of the Virgin, by Albrecht Dürer, ink, 1510
The Death of the Virgin, by Albrecht Dürer, ink, 1510

The Death of the Virgin is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1510 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Death of the Virgin is a 1510 woodcut print by Albrecht Dürer, portraying a pivotal moment in Christian iconography.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts the death of the Virgin Mary, surrounded by a group of figures, conveying a solemn and intimate scene of mourning within a religious context.

Technique & Style

Dürer's innovative use of woodcut techniques in this piece allowed for unprecedented detail and complexity, showcasing his early mastery of the medium.

History & Provenance

Created in 1510, this work reflects Dürer's experimentation with woodcuts during a period of artistic innovation in printmaking.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Albrecht Dürer

Artist

Albrecht Dürer

Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.