Artwork
The Death of the Virgin
The Death of the Virgin is a print by the Renaissance artist Hieronymus Hopfer. It dates from 1546 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Death of the Virgin is an etching created by Hieronymus Hopfer in 1546. It is currently held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a crowded scene around a bedridden woman, surrounded by figures in various states of engagement, from intimate contact to distant observation. The atmosphere is heavy and tense, with the woman's face obscured from view.
Technique & Style
Hopfer employed chiaroscuro, using deep shadows and sharp contrasts to create a dramatic effect. The strategic use of light, particularly from a lantern held by one figure, highlights the people around the bed, adding to the overall sense of tension.
Artist & collection
