Master Apollon

Caravaggio: The Death of the Virgin – A Controversial Masterpiece

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Historical Context

Commissioned by Laerzio Cherubini for his chapel in the Church of Santa Maria della Scala in Rome, The Death of the Virgin was painted between 1604 and 1606. The artwork immediately sparked controversy and was deemed inappropriate by the parish.

The painting’s rejection stemmed from its unorthodox depiction of the Virgin Mary. Contemporary critics, such as Giulio Mancini, suggested that Caravaggio used a prostitute as a model, which shocked the religious sensitivities of the time. Giovanni Baglione and Gian Pietro Bellori also criticized the raw realism with which the Virgin was portrayed.

Despite the scandal, the painting was acquired by the Duke of Mantua upon the recommendation of Peter Paul Rubens, who praised it as one of Caravaggio’s best works. It was later included in the French royal collection and is now housed at the Louvre Museum.

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Description of the Work

The Death of the Virgin is a large oil painting on canvas (369 cm × 245 cm). It portrays the Virgin Mary lying on her deathbed, surrounded by Mary Magdalene and the mourning apostles.

Composition and Style

The composition centers around the lifeless body of the Virgin, with a tightly packed group of figures surrounding her, guiding the viewer’s gaze towards this focal point. The work is marked by striking naturalism, characteristic of Caravaggio’s Baroque style.

Light and Shadow

Caravaggio’s trademark chiaroscuro is masterfully employed to model the volumes and intensify the dramatic impact of the scene. The light illuminates Mary’s face, creating a stark contrast with the surrounding darkness.

Treatment of the Subject

Caravaggio’s depiction of Mary was revolutionary for its time. She is portrayed realistically, without idealization or traditional signs of sanctity. Her body is marked by death—her arms limp, feet swollen, and head sagging—capturing the rawness of mortality.

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Themes and Controversy

Doctrine of the Assumption

The painting was created during a time when the dogma of the Assumption of Mary had not yet been formally defined. The prevailing belief was that Mary had been bodily assumed into heaven. Caravaggio’s depiction of her physical death was therefore seen as heretical by some, challenging accepted religious doctrine.

Realism and Decorum

The use of a “common” model for the Virgin and the raw realism of her depiction shocked contemporary audiences. The work challenged the artistic and religious conventions of the era, presenting a deeply human and unglamorous vision of the Virgin.

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Influence of the Work

The Death of the Virgin stands as a striking example of the artistic revolution sparked by Caravaggio. His naturalistic style, dramatic use of chiaroscuro, and willingness to break with tradition had a profound influence on Baroque art and on subsequent generations of artists.

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Key Quotes

• “For the Madonna della Scala in Trastevere, Caravaggio painted the Death of the Madonna. But because he portrayed the Madonna so irreverently (con poco decoro), with her swollen, bare legs, it was removed and purchased by the Duke of Mantua to be placed in his splendid gallery.” – Giovanni Baglione
• “The artist creates the illusion of depth through a series of lighter areas: from the back of Mary Magdalene’s neck to the foreground, the viewer’s gaze penetrates further into the painting, moving from Mary’s face to the hands and heads of the apostles.” – Musée du Louvre

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Conclusion

The Death of the Virgin is a powerful and controversial work that stands as a testament to Caravaggio’s genius and boldness. Its break with artistic and religious conventions paved the way for a new era of realism and emotional expression in art. Through this groundbreaking piece, Caravaggio redefined religious art, emphasizing the humanity and raw emotion of the divine figures.

@_chamich

Caravaggio “Death of the Virgin”

♬ original sound – chamich