The Death of the Virgin c. 1460

This woodcut, titled 'The Death of the Virgin', captures a pivotal scene in Christian theology. It's a reminder that even the holiest figures were subject to the human condition. Made in Europe, likely during the late medieval period, this work reflects the era’s intense religious devotion. The image of the Virgin Mary, surrounded by mourning apostles, contrasts sharply with the vision of Christ in the upper register, awaiting her soul. This juxtaposition speaks to the Catholic Church’s teachings on salvation and the afterlife, ideas deeply ingrained in society. Woodcuts like this were often produced for a mass audience, serving both as devotional aids and as affirmations of the Church’s doctrines. Understanding such an image requires us to explore not only its visual components but also the wider religious, social, and institutional contexts in which it was created and consumed. Texts from the period can help us better interpret the visual culture.