Artwork
The Life of Mary: the Assumption of Mary (verso: lower half of the Coronation of Mary)
The Life of Mary: the Assumption of Mary (verso: lower half of the Coronation of Mary) is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Master of the Life of the Virgin. It dates from 1474 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
The background of the painting is a warm, golden color, which adds to the sense of reverence and wonder.
This painting depicts a scene of people gathered around a tomb, with a woman ascending into the air. She is dressed in blue and has long hair, and is surrounded by a halo of light. The people around her are dressed in various colors and are looking up at her in awe.
In the foreground, a group of men are standing around the tomb, some with their hands raised in prayer. The background of the painting is a warm, golden color, which adds to the sense of reverence and wonder.
The painting is a beautiful example of religious art from the 15th century. To learn more about the artist who created this work, look up Master of the Life of the Virgin.
Overview
This 15th-century oil painting, 'The Life of Mary: the Assumption of Mary', is attributed to the Master of the Life of the Virgin. It is housed at the Alte Pinakothek.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts the Assumption of Mary, showing the Virgin ascending into the air surrounded by a halo, amidst a group of onlookers. The scene is set around a tomb, with figures reacting in awe and prayer.
Technique & Style
The work is characterized by its use of oil paint and a warm, golden background that enhances the reverent atmosphere. The figures are dressed in various colors, with Mary wearing blue, and are rendered with attention to detail and expression.
History & Provenance
Created in 1474, the painting is part of a larger work, with the verso featuring the lower half of 'The Coronation of Mary'.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Master of the Life of the Virgin
This anonymous painter worked in the 1470s, specializing in small devotional panels that tell the story of Mary’s life.
The Visitation with a portrait of donor Johann von Hirtz (?-?)
The Life of Mary: Joachim meets Anna at the Golden Gate; in the background the Annunciation of the birth of Mary to Joachim by an angel (verso: upper half of the Crucifixion of Christ)
Maria mit dem Kind
The Engagement of Mary (verso: upper half of the Coronation of Mary)
The Life of Mary: the Annunciation (lower half of the Crucifixion of Christ)
Portrait of an unknown master builder
The life of Mary: the presentation of Mary in the temple
Virgin and Child with Three Saints
