Hugo van der Goes. Death of Mary
1480
unspecified
From the collection of Catholic University of Leuven
1480
unspecified
From the collection of Catholic University of Leuven
This painting shows Mary lying on a bed in a room with twelve apostles around her. Jesus holds her soul—a tiny baby in white—ready to take her to heaven. The colors are deep reds and blues, but the light feels soft, like church candles glow. The weirdest part? Judas isn’t there. He betrayed Jesus, so he’s missing from this holy scene. The artist hid that detail like a secret clue. Look up Hugo Van der Goes next.
