The Death of the Virgin by Rembrandt van Rijn

The Death of the Virgin 1639

drawing, print

drawing

light pencil work

print

death

pencil sketch

charcoal drawing

pencil drawing

ink drawing experimentation

coffee painting

pen-ink sketch

watercolour illustration

pencil art

virgin-mary

watercolor

angel

"The Death of the Virgin," an etching by Rembrandt van Rijn created in 1639, depicts the passing of the Virgin Mary surrounded by her grieving disciples. The scene is characterized by dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, emphasizing the somber mood. The composition is dynamic, with figures clustered around the bed of the dying Mary, their postures conveying grief and despair. This print, now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases Rembrandt's masterful use of line and texture to create a powerful and moving image. The artwork is a masterpiece of etching and a poignant testament to the life and death of a revered figure.

Comments

rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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At Mary’s request, the apostles, who were preaching the Gospel all over the world, were transported to her deathbed. Rembrandt presents the two events simultaneously in this monumental etching. Unlike the loosely sketched angel in the clouds, the lower part of the composition is worked out very precisely.