Death of the Virgin

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 paintings or illuminated manuscripts, prints like this one helped bring sacred stories into homes and smaller churches across Northern Europe, broadening access to devotional imagery during the transition toward the Renaissance. Van Meckenem’s version balances delicate detail with emotional clarity, inviting viewers to contemplate both the sorrow and sanctity of the scene. Today, this impression in the Art Institute of Chicago’s collection preserves the crisp lines and tonal contrasts that made such engravings enduring works of art.

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 ...