“The Death of the Virgin” is an oil on wood artwork created by Petrus Christus around the year 1460. Measuring 138.4 x 171.1 cm, the painting belongs to the Northern Renaissance art movement and is classified under the genre of religious painting. Presently, it is housed in the Timken Museum of Art located in San Diego, California, United States.
The artwork portrays a deeply spiritual and solemn scene reflecting the final moments of the Virgin Mary. The composition includes various figures, presumably the apostles, gathered around the Virgin who lies on her deathbed, covered with a red coverlet. Above the bed, a group of angels appear, possibly signifying the divine presence or the welcoming of the Virgin’s soul into the heavens. The surroundings suggest an interior setting illuminated by natural light streaming through the windows, giving the scene a serene yet poignant atmosphere. Delicate attention to detail and the use of rich colors are indicative of the Northern Renaissance style, bringing a sense of realism and depth to the sacred narrative depicted.
