Death of the Virgin

Attributed to Joshua Master

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting of a group of figures surrounding a central figure lying on a bed. The scene is encapsulated within an elaborately decorated initial letter Q, adorned with intricate floral patterns. The background features rich gold leaf, enhancing the illuminated manuscript style. Each figure is painted with luminous colors, holds books open, and gazes towards the central reclining figure, who is haloed and dressed in vivid blue and red robes. Above the scene, a crowned celestial figure is depicted within a round medallion, set against a starry background. This artwork is reminiscent of illuminated manuscripts from the medieval period.