The Assumption of the Virgin

The Assumption of the Virgin

German 15th Century

1480

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This image shows a simple black-and-white scene with three figures. The central figure stands tall, holding a long robe and a glowing halo around their head. Two smaller figures kneel on either side, looking up at them with folded hands. The background has a rough, textured look like tree bark. The central figure is likely a holy person, based on the halo and the way the others react. This style was used to show important religious stories in a clear, easy-to-understand way. Look up woodcut to see how this printing method worked.

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