Death of Mary altarpiece

Joos van Cleve created this Death of Mary altarpiece around 1515, drawing on the influential compositional tradition established by Hugo van der Goes and continued through multiple Netherlandish workshops. The Dormition of the Virgin was among the most important subjects in Netherlandish altarpiece painting, depicting the apostles gathered around Mary's deathbed. The oil medium allowed for rich tonal transitions and glazed layers of color that created luminous depth impossible with the older tempera technique.

The altarpiece demonstrates Joos van Cleve's refined Antwerp technique with careful spatial construction, luminous color harmonies, and the emotional restraint characteristic of his devotional works.