Death of the Virgin
Medium
Engraving in black on cream laid paper
Dimensions
Image: 26 × 18.1 cm (10 1/4 × 7 3/16 in.); Sheet trimmed within platemark: 26.7 × 18.1 cm (10 9/16 × 7 3/16 in.)
Classification
engraving
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
3720
Art Historical Context
This engraving by Israhel van Mecem the younger depicts the Death of the Virgin, a beloved theme in late medieval Christian art showing Mary surrounded by the apostles at her final moments. Created around 1481, the work reflects the deep religious devotion of the period while showcasing van Meckenem’s skill as one of the most prolific German printmakers of the fifteenth century. The medium of engraving on laid paper was particularly significant at this time, enabling artists to produce multiple impressions with fine, precise lines that could be widely distributed. Unlike unique panel painting...
About the Artist
Israhel van Meckenem, the younger
Israhel van Meckenem the Younger (c. 1440–1503) was a German goldsmith and engraver who became one of the most prolific printmakers of the fifteenth century. Born in Meckenheim near Bonn, he was trained by his father, Israhel van Meckenem the Elder, who was himself a goldsmith and engraver. The younger Israhel may also have worked in the workshop of the Master E.S., whose plates he later reworked ...