Who painted The Life of the Virgin: The Death of the Virgin?

The Life of the Virgin: The Death of the Virgin was painted by Jacques Callot in 1634.

Where can I see The Life of the Virgin: The Death of the Virgin?

The Life of the Virgin: The Death of the Virgin is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Life of the Virgin: The Death of the Virgin?

The Life of the Virgin: The Death of the Virgin is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Life of the Virgin: The Death of the Virgin

Jacques Callot , 1634

The Life of the Virgin: The Death of the Virgin is a print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1634 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Jacques Callot’s black‑and‑white print The Life of the Virgin: The Death of the Virgin, executed around 1634, is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. The work depicts the moment of the Virgin Mary’s passing, rendered in a densely populated composition that draws the viewer’s eye to the central figure on a bed.

Subject & Meaning

The scene gathers mourners around a shrouded figure, presumed to be the Virgin, whose death is marked by a celestial light and hovering angels. The presence of books and upward‑looking gestures suggests a contemplative response to the sacred event, emphasizing both human grief and divine consolation.

Technique & Style

Callot employs intricate line work typical of early Baroque prints, using cross‑hatching to model light and shadow. The stark contrast between the illuminated sky and the darker crowd heightens the drama, while the crowded composition reflects the artist’s skill in rendering complex groupings within a limited tonal range.

History & Provenance

Created in the early 1630s, the print entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the 20th century, though specific details of its earlier ownership remain undocumented. Its inclusion in the museum underscores Callot’s reputation as a leading printmaker of the period.