The Death of the Virgin (The Dormition) 1471 - 1499

Tilman Heysacker created this limewood relief panel depicting the death of the Virgin sometime around 1500, amidst significant social and religious shifts in Europe. During this period, depictions of the Virgin Mary were common as the Church sought to emphasize her role. But what does it mean to show the mother of Christ in her final moments? Heysacker doesn’t shy away from the emotional gravity of the scene. Around her deathbed, the apostles gather, their expressions a mix of sorrow and reverence. In a society where death was a constant presence, images like these served as a focal point for mourning and reflection. They were a way to come to terms with loss, while also celebrating the spiritual ascent of the Virgin. The choice of wood as a medium lends a tactile quality to the work. It reminds us of the humanity of the figures portrayed. Carved with intricate detail, the scene invites us to contemplate mortality, faith, and the complex emotions that lie at the intersection of life and death.