The Death of the Virgin

The Death of the Virgin is a powerful woodcut created by Albrecht Dürer in 1510. This print exemplifies the German Renaissance master’s sophisticated approach to graphic arts, particularly his ability to render complex compositions and deep emotional resonance using the restrictive yet expressive medium of the woodcut. The piece depicts the traditional scene of the Dormition, where the apostles gather around the dying Virgin Mary, focusing on the moment she receives the last rites. The composition is structured around the central figure of the Virgin, surrounded by the twelve apostles, each rendered with unique expressions of grief and reverence.

Dürer employs intricate cross-hatching and meticulous line work, techniques often reserved for copperplate engraving, demonstrating his mastery over the woodblock. This attention to detail became a hallmark of the Northern Renaissance style in Germany, allowing Dürer to produce widely distributed prints that were both technically brilliant and emotionally accessible to the populace. The dense arrangement, typical of the era, contrasts dramatic light and shadow, giving the scene tangible weight and depth. As one of the most significant figures in the history of prints, Dürer’s mastery cemented the status of the print medium as fine art. This specific impression of The Death of the Virgin, dating from 1510, is housed within the renowned collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Its historical importance means that high-resolution copies of the masterwork are often found in the public domain for scholarly research.