1472
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Death of the Virgin is a 1472 ink by Martin Schongauer, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This black-and-white print shows a crowded scene of people gathered around a dying woman on a bed. The room looks old, with heavy curtains and a small window. Some figures hold books or staffs, while others kneel or stand nearby, looking worried or praying. The lines are sharp and detailed, making the faces and clothes stand out. The artist packed a lot into this small space, using tiny marks to create shadows and texture. Notice how the lines overlap in places—this helps make the scene feel three-dimensional. Want to see more like this? Check out engraving.
Martin Schongauer, also known as Martin Schön or Hübsch Martin by his contemporaries, was an Alsatian engraver and painter.
See the richer artist page
