Who painted The Death of the Virgin?

The Death of the Virgin was painted by German 15th Century in 1460.

Where can I see The Death of the Virgin?

The Death of the Virgin is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Death of the Virgin?

The Death of the Virgin is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Death of the Virgin

German 15th Century , 1460

The Death of the Virgin is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1460 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Death of the Virgin is a hand-colored woodcut print depicting a somber scene of mourning. A group surrounds a reclining woman, identified by her attire as the Virgin, with her hands clasped in a gesture of rest or prayer. Above, a robed figure wearing a red hat accompanies a small child, suspended in the air.

Subject & Meaning

The composition illustrates the moment of the Virgin's passing, surrounded by grieving figures. The presence of the robed figure (likely a saint or divine being) and the child (possibly the infant Jesus or a symbol of the Virgin's soul) above the Virgin suggests a narrative of transition from life to afterlife, conveying themes of mourning, spirituality, and the promise of heavenly reception.

Technique & Style

Executed as a woodcut, the print features bold, flat forms with minimal shading, characteristic of the medium. Subsequent hand-coloring in a restrained palette (carmine, brown, green, ochre) enhances the image, with the bold lines and simple colors creating a visually striking, yet emotionally subdued, atmosphere.

Context

The work reflects the artistic and religious sensibilities of its time, blending traditional religious themes with the expressive capabilities of woodcut printing, a popular medium for mass-producing religious images during the period.

History & Provenance

No specific historical ownership or creation date details are provided for this work, highlighting the need for further attribution research.

Legacy

As a woodcut, the piece contributes to the broader legacy of printmaking in religious art, demonstrating how this medium facilitated the widespread dissemination of devotional images.