Artwork

The Assumption of the Virgin

The Assumption of the Virgin, by German 15th Century, ink, 1480
The Assumption of the Virgin, by German 15th Century, ink, 1480

The Assumption of the Virgin is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1480 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Assumption of the Virgin is a woodcut print depicting a simple scene with three figures. The central figure, surrounded by a halo, is flanked by two kneeling individuals with folded hands.

Subject & Meaning

The image likely represents a holy person, given the halo and the reverent posture of the surrounding figures. The scene conveys a religious narrative in a straightforward manner.

Technique & Style

Created using the woodcut technique, the print features a black-and-white composition with a textured background. The style is characteristic of a method used to convey important religious stories in an accessible way.

Artist & collection

Portrait of German 15th Century

Artist

German 15th Century

This 15th-century German artist carved vivid religious scenes into metal and wood, then hand-painted them in bright, symbolic colors.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.