Death of the Virgin c. 1410

Joshua Master created this illumination depicting the “Death of the Virgin” sometime between 1330 and 1463. Images of Mary were incredibly important at this time. She was the ultimate symbol of both motherhood and purity. Here, we see Mary surrounded by the Apostles on her death bed. Above, Christ waits to receive her soul, represented as a small child, into heaven. The scene is set within the initial 'O', highlighting the importance of the text it precedes, and indeed, the Virgin’s importance to the very Word of God. Consider how Mary’s body is presented. She is serene, composed, and most importantly, still beautiful. Even in death, her purity and grace are emphasized, reinforcing the Church's teachings on ideal womanhood. Her death becomes not a moment of grief, but a transition to heavenly glory. This depiction serves as a powerful reminder of the cultural expectations placed on women during the late medieval period, expectations which continue to resonate even today.