Artwork
Death of Saint Clare

Death of Saint Clare is a paint painting by the Early Renaissance artist Unknown. It dates from 1450 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin. The work portrays the final moments of Saint Clare, shown lying upon a dark‑patterned shroud.
About this work
Overview
The work portrays the final moments of Saint Clare, shown lying upon a dark‑patterned shroud. A circle of women in white garments surrounds her, some bearing a cross or a book, while a few wear halos that denote sanctity. The composition conveys a solemn, reverent atmosphere as the figures mourn the saint’s passing.
Subject & Meaning
At its core, the painting captures the death of the 13th‑century mystic and founder of the Poor Clares. The presence of the cross and the book underscores her spiritual legacy, while the collective grief of the women emphasizes the communal aspect of her religious community and the veneration accorded to her after death.
Technique & Style
Executed in paint, the artist employs a restrained palette of muted tones, allowing the white robes to stand out against the darker background. The figures are rendered with a calm, linear clarity, and the halos are suggested with subtle light effects rather than elaborate ornamentation, reinforcing the work’s contemplative mood.
History & Provenance
The painting’s provenance is not detailed in the source material, and no specific dates or ownership records are provided. Consequently, its historical trajectory, including commissions or collections, remains undocumented within the available facts.
Artist & collection



















