The Death of the Virgin c. 16th century

Editor: This is Albrecht Altdorfer's "The Death of the Virgin," a woodcut. The dramatic lines create a very intimate, almost claustrophobic scene. What do you see in the composition? Curator: Note the linear precision and the stark contrast of black and white. The architecture, reduced to repetitive arcs, frames the central event, directing our gaze to the Virgin. Editor: The textures created by the lines add depth, even in such a small piece. Curator: Precisely. The lines function semiotically, conveying light, shadow, and emotion. The structural arrangement emphasizes the Virgin as the focal point. Editor: I now recognize how the artist used line to guide the viewer. Curator: Indeed, it's the structural elements that convey the narrative and emotional weight.