The Death of the Virgin

The Death of the Virgin is a profound print created by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669, in 1639. This classification as a print utilizes the demanding techniques of etching and drypoint executed on ivory laid paper. Dating from the height of his career, this work showcases Rembrandt's remarkable ability to manipulate line quality and control deep contrasts of light and shadow, characteristic of 17th-century art in the Netherlands.

The subject portrays the moment of the Virgin Mary’s passing, depicted in a scene crowded with Apostles, grieving women, and celestial figures. Rembrandt achieves high dramatic intensity through the manipulation of light, which illuminates the dying Virgin in the center while pushing the edges of the composition into near-darkness. The presence of a descending vision of angels further enhances the emotional and spiritual gravity of the event, distinguishing the heavenly intervention from the terrestrial mourning below.

Rembrandt uses the etching needle and drypoint burr with precision to create varying depths of tone and texture. The meticulous detailing in the drapery, combined with the dense cross-hatching used to produce rich, velvety shadows, exemplifies his technical virtuosity within the graphic arts. He created dozens of celebrated prints throughout his life, and The Death of the Virgin remains highly regarded for its psychological insight and brilliant execution. This exceptional piece demonstrates the enduring power of Dutch graphic art and is a key holding in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a historical work, high-quality images of this master print are frequently made available through public domain initiatives worldwide.