The Death of the Virgin 1460

Petrus Christus painted ‘The Death of the Virgin’ in the mid-15th century, using oil paint on a wood panel. Oil paint was itself a relatively new medium at the time. It allowed for the depiction of luminous color and fine detail, which Christus exploits to full effect. The artist would have built up the image in thin layers of translucent glaze, adding depth and realism to the scene. Note the rich red of the Virgin’s bed and the varied textures of the fabrics, all rendered with great care. This reflects the increasingly sophisticated economy of the early Renaissance. The expensive pigments, combined with the precious time required for this technique, would have meant this painting was a considerable investment. Consider too, how the wood panel would have been prepared, likely by a specialist joiner. In every way, this painting embodies the organization of labor in the growing urban centers of the Netherlands. Ultimately, it’s a testament to the collaborative networks that underpinned artistic production, and a reminder that even the most seemingly singular work of art is in fact the product of many hands.