Death of the Virgin
Andrea Mantegna·1462
Historical Context
Andrea Mantegna's Death of the Virgin, painted around 1462 and now in the Museo del Prado, Madrid, depicts the apostles gathered around the deathbed of the Virgin Mary. The painting's most remarkable feature is the view through a window showing the Bridge of San Giorgio over the lakes of Mantua, one of the most topographically accurate cityscapes in early Renaissance painting. Mantegna had recently settled in Mantua as court painter to the Gonzaga family.
Technical Analysis
Mantegna combines precise architectural perspective in the interior with a remarkably accurate cityscape view through the window, while the grave, monumental apostle figures display his characteristic sculptural solidity.
