Tabernacle of the Madonna delle Tosse: Death of Mary 1484

Benozzo Gozzoli painted this fresco of the Death of Mary in the Tabernacle of the Madonna delle Tosse. The dominant visual experience is one of hierarchical composition, divided into earthly and divine realms, unified by a muted palette and gentle light. The lower register depicts the Virgin's death, surrounded by mourners. Above, angels and God the Father populate a celestial sphere. Gozzoli's use of layered space isn’t just representational; it’s a symbolic structure. The arrangement invites us to consider the relationship between earthly suffering and divine transcendence. We could interpret the work through a semiotic lens, understanding that each figure and gesture functions as a sign. The Virgin's pale form signifies purity and sacrifice, while the golden light represents divine grace. The tabernacle’s original viewers would have understood these visual cues within a clear theological framework. Consider the arch shape framing the scene; it echoes the architecture of the tabernacle itself. The artist draws attention to the integration of art and space, further emphasizing the fresco’s role as a site for both aesthetic contemplation and spiritual encounter. This relationship between form and function is a reminder that art is always embedded in a larger cultural and philosophical context.