The Death of the Virgin

German 15th Century or Peter Maler

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting of a scene featuring a central reclining figure on a bed, surrounded by other figures. The central figure has a halo and is on a bed draped with greenish-blue fabric. Other figures with halos, wearing robes, are also present, some holding books or objects. A smaller figure at the bottom is knelt in a pose of prayer. There are architectural elements like a bed with a tall headboard and a cross symbol. Above, two smaller figures are in a cloud. The style is reminiscent of unknown medieval manuscript artists, with flat forms and an earthy color palette dominated by red, brown, and green.