The Dormition of the Virgin 1535 - 1555

Jacques Juliot made this ivory relief of The Dormition of the Virgin sometime in the mid-16th century. The subject matter, the death of the Virgin Mary, and the gathering of the apostles around her deathbed, were deeply ingrained in the religious and social fabric of the time. While Juliot was a man working in a patriarchal society, his choice of subject matter invites us to consider the significance of the Virgin Mary as a central figure in the Christian faith, representing purity, motherhood, and divine grace. The work subtly challenges the prevailing norms of its time. The Virgin is shown in a state of repose, surrounded by male figures, emphasizing her spiritual power. She is not merely a passive figure but the central focus of veneration. The emotional depth and humanity that Juliot brought to this depiction of the Virgin Mary's passing continues to resonate today, inviting contemplation on themes of mortality, spirituality, and the enduring power of faith.