Death+of+Virgin

="Death of the Virgin"=

“The Death of the Virgin” was painted by the Italian artist, Caravaggio. “The Death of the Virgin” is an oil on canvas painting, and it is displayed today in the famous Louvre museum in Paris, France. Caravaggio was a man that was known for his strong beliefs and his slight insensitivity to others feelings and believes around him. Although Caravaggio accomplished many things in his life and became a well known artist during his life, he was also disrespected by many. “The Death of the Virgin” was commissioned to be painted by a Vatican law official. The painting at the time was planned to be hung in a chapel. When the painting was finished in the year 1606, Caravaggio presented the painting to the clergy. To Caravaggio, his piece was a sight to be proud of. The painting was the largest painting that he had ever made, with the characters within the painting being almost life-size! Yet the clergy was not impressed with the painting, and refused to hang it within the chapel. “The Death of the Virgin” was criticized because of the way that the Virgin Mary was portrayed within the scene.

Within the painting, Mary’s legs are bare and swollen, her limbs limp, and her feet are uncovered. Also around Mary are the disciples, Saint John, and Mary Magdalene, who are all extremely important people regarding the Christian faith. The Virgin Mary is an extremely important character in the Christian faith, and many Catholics worship her. Although the painting portrays the Virgin in a very different manner than other pieces of art typically had been at the time, it was greatly appreciated by many who believed in the Virgin Mary.

In recent surveys, it has been found that 90% of all French citizens are Catholic. This piece of art is a very important piece of art regarding the Catholic faith. It not only includes some of the most iconic characters Catholicism, but it is a reminder of the importance that religion can have on a person.