Getty Museum
The Assumption of the Virgin
Creator
Master of James IV of ScotlandFlemish Illuminator · 1465–1541
All works by this person →Named for a remarkable portrait of the monarch James IV of Scotland in a devotional manuscript, the Master of James IV of Scotland was one of the finest Flemish illuminators active in the years around 1500. Over a period of more than forty years, the artist contributed to some of the most lavish and important manuscripts of the era, in addition to directing an active workshop. The illuminator's mi
More on Getty ULAN- Date
- about 1510–1520
- Medium
- Tempera colors, gold, and ink
- Culture
- Flemish
- Department
- Manuscripts
- Institution
- Getty Museum
The Master of James IV of Scotland played with the relationship between text and image in his miniature of the Assumption of the Virgin. In most books of hours, the framed image is clearly separated from the text. But here the text, enclosed within a frame, has become part of the illusion created by the painter. In addition, the scene's rocky landscape flows unimpeded on all sides, undermining the purpose of the frame. The artist depicted a sequence of events in the landscape: on the left, the funeral procession of the Virgin; at the bottom, her open grave; and in the center, her glorious Assumption into heaven. The artist drew from various popular legends to enrich the story. According to legend, the apostles were miraculously brought to her deathbed from all over the world. Here, led by John holding a palm branch, they carry the Virgin's coffin. In the center panel, the Virgin's belt, or girdle, is given to the doubting apostle, Thomas. The text accompanying these scenes from the end of the Virgin's life belongs appropriately enough to the service of Compline, the last service of the day in the Hours of the Virgin.
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