“The Death of the Virgin” is a masterful religious painting by Caravaggio, executed between 1601 and 1603. Rendered in oil on canvas, this significant artwork embodies the Baroque and Tenebrism art movements, measuring 369 by 245 centimeters. This haunting yet beautiful piece is currently housed in the Louvre, Paris, France.
The artwork portrays the Virgin Mary at the moment of her death, surrounded by grieving apostles and mourners. Caravaggio employs dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, a hallmark of Tenebrism, to highlight the profound sorrow and piety of the scene. Mary lies motionless at the center of the composition, draped in a red garment, her lifeless form creating a poignant focal point. The surrounding figures, depicted with Caravaggio’s characteristic realism, express palpable grief, their sorrow etched deeply into their faces and postures. A rich, red curtain frames the upper part of the canvas, adding a dramatic and theatrical element to the scene. The overall atmosphere of the painting is somber and deeply reflective, capturing the intense humanity and spirituality of this biblical narrative.