The Death of the Virgin

c. 1480/1490

Israhel van Meckenem

Associated Names
Israhel van Meckenem

Artist, German, c. 1445 - 1503

Martin Schongauer

Artist After, German, c. 1450 - 1491

The image is an intricate black and white engraving depicting a group of people gathered around a person who appears to be lying in bed. The central figure is a woman sitting up in bed with a serene expression on her face. She has long, wavy hair and wears a headpiece. She wears flowing garments and holds a small object in her hand. Another person, possibly a man, wearing a cap and ornate clothing, supports her. Surrounding her are several men with varying expressions, who are dressed in long robes. Some have curly hair and beards, and one leans closely near the woman as if engaged in communication. A man at the bottom right is kneeling and reading from an open book while holding a long staff. The figures are surrounded by intricately detailed drapery and a curtain, suggesting a room of some formality or significance. The background of the image is composed of patterned and shaded walls. A large, candle-like object stands in front of the bed.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to plate mark): 24.8 x 16.9 cm (9 3/4 x 6 5/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.110

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Lehrs, Vol. 9, p.048, no. 49, State vii/vii

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Charles Sessler, Philadelphia); purchased by Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891-1979], 1930; gift to NGA, 1943.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1959

  • Old Master Prints from the Rosenwald Collection, Brown University, Providence, RI, 1959.

1967

  • Fifteenth Century Engravings of Northern Europe from the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., NGA, 1967-1968, no. 199, repro.

  • What is an Original Print?, Philbrook Art Center, Tulsa, OK, 1967.

1968

  • Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO, 1968-1969, no catalogue.

1995

  • Imitation and Invention: Old Master Prints and Their Sources, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1995.

Bibliography

1908

  • Lehrs, Max. Geschichte und kritischer Katalog des deutschen, niederlandischen und franzosischen Kupferstichs im XV. Jahrhundert. 9 vols. and 1 plate vol. Vienna: Gesellschaft fur vervielfaltigende Kunst, 1908-1934.

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. 8 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1954-1868. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberge

1967

  • Shestack, Alan. Fifteenth Century Engravings of Northern Europe from the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.. Exh. cat. Washington: National Gallery of Art, 1967: no. 199.

Watermarks

hand with flower (Lehrs 10)

Wikidata ID

Q64958358

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