The Assumption of Mary

The Master of the Amsterdam Death of the Virgin painted this Assumption of Mary around 1500. The Assumption, depicting Mary's bodily ascent into heaven, was one of the most important Marian feast subjects. This master's visionary style was well suited to the celestial drama of the scene. The tempera-on-panel medium required a carefully gessoed surface and was painted in fine, precise layers, yielding a luminous, jewel-like surface of great durability.

Oil on panel with dramatic upward composition showing the ascending Virgin surrounded by angels. The heavenly radiance and dynamic figure arrangement create an effective sense of supernatural transport.