The Death of the Virgin, from "The Life of the Virgin"

The Death of the Virgin, from "The Life of the Virgin," created by Albrecht Dürer in 1510, is a foundational example of Northern Renaissance woodcut printmaking. This work is one of nineteen prints that comprise Dürer’s acclaimed series, "The Life of the Virgin," executed primarily between 1500 and 1510. While the series incorporates subjects ranging from the joyous to the devotional, this particular scene focuses on a moment of profound religious solemnity.

The composition centers on the deathbed of the Virgin Mary, who is surrounded by a gathering of the twelve apostles (Men). Dürer carefully orchestrates the figures within a complex domestic interior, using dramatic contrasts between light and shadow inherent in the woodcut technique to define space and highlight emotion. Details, such as the elaborate patterns in the drapery and the realistic facial expressions of the grieving apostles, demonstrate Dürer’s mastery in translating complex tonal values onto the restrictive medium of the wood block. The controlled arrangement and classical influence evident in this piece distinguish it from the more turbulent compositions seen in the artist’s earlier graphic works.

This remarkable print underscores Dürer’s influence in elevating the status of the print medium from mere illustration to high art during the early 16th century. Prints like The Death of the Virgin provided a vital means for the wide dissemination of religious iconography across Europe. This specific impression of the renowned Renaissance woodcut print resides within the distinguished collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of their historical significance and age, many of Dürer’s iconic prints are available today as public domain artworks.