Death of the Virgin 17th-18th century

Curator: This print, "Death of the Virgin" by Robert van Auden-Aerd, captures a somber scene. I’m immediately struck by the contrast between the darkened room and the radiant halo surrounding the Virgin. Editor: The halo is fascinating. It’s such a powerful, persistent symbol of sanctity, but I wonder how it functions here given the scene’s patriarchal context? Curator: Exactly. The composition is entirely male, and the Virgin lies passively on her deathbed. The scene reveals anxieties around female agency and visibility. Editor: Yet, consider the candle held aloft—a timeless symbol of mourning and remembrance, a visual echo of the divine light many believed she carried. Curator: I see your point. It prompts reflection on how we both construct and constrain representations of women and femininity within historical and religious narratives. Editor: Indeed. This image is a reminder of the enduring power of symbols to shape our understanding of faith, mortality, and gender.