Artwork
The death of Mary

The death of Mary is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Joachim von Sandrart the Elder. It dates from 1655 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
The Death of Mary is a 1655 oil painting by Joachim von Sandrart the Elder, housed at the Alte Pinakothek. It depicts the final moments of the Virgin Mary surrounded by mourners and divine presence.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates the Dormition of the Virgin, a pivotal Christian event. The serene figure of Mary on her deathbed, surrounded by grieving figures in prayer, conveys a sense of solemnity and reverence. The presence of angelic beings and descending light signifies the divine acceptance of her soul.
Technique & Style
Sandrart employed chiaroscuro to dramatic effect, using deep shadows to delineate the figures against a dark backdrop. This contrast highlights the central scene, focusing attention on the emotional and spiritual core of the composition.
History & Provenance
Created in 1655, the work is attributed to Joachim von Sandrart the Elder. It is part of the collection at the Alte Pinakothek, Munich, though its provenance history prior to its acquisition is not detailed here.
Context
The painting reflects the religious themes prevalent in 17th-century European art, particularly the Catholic Counter-Reformation's emphasis on emotive and accessible depictions of sacred subjects.
Legacy
While specific influences or direct artistic legacies of 'The Death of Mary' are not prominently documented, it contributes to the broader tradition of representing the Dormition of the Virgin in Western art, influencing subsequent interpretations of the theme.
Artist & collection
Artist
Joachim von Sandrart the Elder
Joachim von Sandrart the Elder (1606–1688) was a German artist, born in Frankfurt.

















