The Death of the Virgin
1486–90
Medium
Wood with polychromy and gilding
Dimensions
164.5 × 130.8 × 11.4 cm (64 3/4 × 51 1/2 × 4 1/2 in.)
Classification
relief
Department
Painting and Sculpture of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
76783
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Art Institute of Chicago's Department of Painting and Sculpture of, *The Death of the Virgin (1486–90) by South German sculptor Hans Klocker a poignant moment from Christian iconography: the serene passing of the Virgin Mary, by the Apostles in mourning. Carved as a large-scale relief measuring 164.5 × 130.8 × 11.4 cm, this panel evokes deep devotion during the Late Gothic period, a time when such scenes emphasized emotional piety in Northern European art. Klocker's mastery shines in the intricate polychromy—vibrant paints applied over carved wood—and lavish gilding, which brin...