The Death of the Virgin (The Dormition)

Tilman Heysacker

late 15th century · Oak · The Cloisters

This high-relief sculpture, once painted, was the central scene of an altarpiece, the wings of which depicted the Birth of the Virgin and the Nativity. According to the Golden Legend, the twelve apostles gathered at the Virgin’s deathbed. Saint Peter, holding a book, officiates. Next to him, an apostle sprinkles holy water. At the foot of the bed, one apostle perfumes the air with incense. Saint Thomas is missing; according to legend he arrived too late and, characteristically, doubted the Assumption of the Virgin’s body into heaven until an angel dropped Mary’s belt down to him as proof.

Artist

Tilman Heysacker

Date

late 15th century

Medium

Oak

Culture

German

Department

The Cloisters

Credit line

The Cloisters Collection, 1973