Life of the Virgin: Assumption of the Virgin

1504

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

Life of the Virgin: Assumption of the Virgin is a 1504 by Albrecht Dürer, a Renaissance work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Albrecht Dürer
When & what style?: 1504 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This engraving shows a crowded scene in the sky and on earth. At the top, a crowned woman floats upward, surrounded by angels and a dove. Below, a group of people—some kneeling, some standing—watch as a table holds a basket of food. The lines are sharp, and the light glows around the figures. Notice how the artist used light and shadow to make the scene feel dramatic. The figures are packed tightly, and every face shows emotion. Look up chiaroscuro next to see how this technique works.