The Death of The Virgin

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Christ stands with his hand raised in blessing, ready to transport his mother's soul and body to Heaven as she passes away. Apostles gathered around her deathbed recite prayers, a common practice during such moments of sorrow. One apostle holds a censer, allowing another to pour incense into it from an incense boat on the far right. This intricately carved relief likely served as part of an altarpiece's support or frame. Image-bearing panels were often set up on or behind church altars, showcasing scenes like the one depicted here - the Death of the Virgin, who lies at the center. Originally, it was probably topped by a scene illustrating the Assumption of the Virgin, when Christ's mother is carried to Heaven. The figures in this relief bear close resemblance to those in another depicting the Death of the Virgin in the Badisches Landesmuseum, Karlsruhe. This similarity suggests that both reliefs share a common origin - likely created in the Upper Rhenish area of Germany around 1430 to 1440. Another relief with the same subject matter, dateable to about 1440, can be found in the chapel of St Nicholas within the Minster, Constance, further solidifying this region as their birthplace. Originating from Germany's Upper Rhine region.