Death of the Virgin, lying on a chair at center, surrounded by Apostles, inside a temple 1790 - 1822

Joseph Fischer created this print of The Death of the Virgin, sometime around the late 18th to early 19th century. It depicts the Virgin Mary on her deathbed, surrounded by mourning apostles within a temple. The scene is charged with emotion, as the figures express their grief through varied poses and expressions. Notice how Fischer challenges the traditional stoicism often associated with religious iconography, infusing the scene with palpable human emotion. The maleness of the apostles surrounding her emphasizes the central role of the Virgin Mary as the feminine divine. The image resonates with contemporary conversations around the representation and significance of women within religious and historical narratives. "Death of the Virgin" invites reflection on the intersections of faith, gender, and mortality, capturing a powerful emotional moment that continues to speak to viewers today.