The Death of the Virgin, 1470-1475
Martin Schongauerexpand_more
Engravingexpand_more
The William M. Ladd Collection Gift of Herschel V. Jones, 1916expand_more P.117
Not on Viewexpand_more
This complex engraving about the apocryphal story of the Virgin's death was perhaps Schongauer's most celebrated print. The twelve Apostles—Matthias had been chosen to replace Judas after the Ascension of Christ—miraculously appeared at Mary's bedside as she lay dying. Schongauer powerfully depicts the intense grief of the moment in the varied emotional responses of each figure. A profusion of detail fills the scene, notably the varied and ample costumes of the Apostles, many of whom are shown carrying their various attributes, the twisting drapery curtains, the large cross, and the candles. That Schongauer's father was a successful goldsmith certainly explains the special attention relished on the elaborate candlestick in the foreground. Given the close connection between metalworking and the art of engraving, it was probably in his father's shop that the young artist first learned to engrave.
Details
- Title
- The Death of the Virgin
- Artist Life
- c. 1440/53–1491
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.117
- Provenance
- Princes of Waldburg Wolfegg, at Wolfegg, Würtemberg.Waldburg, Lugt 2542 ('sale, May 20-24, 1901, Stuttgart)
- Catalogue Raisonne
- B.33, 135 Lehr V.106.16
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.