STOSS, Veit
(b. ca. 1438, Horb, d. 1533, Nürnberg)

High Altar of St Mary (detail)

1477-89
Wood
Church of St. Mary, Cracow

The central section with the Dormition of the Virgin dominates the altarpiece.Its figures, far larger than life-size and arranged as if on stage, witness the death of the Virgin and her Assumption into Heaven. The treatment of the subject is unusual. instead of being assembled at the deathbed, the Apostles stand , deeply moved, around the youthful Virgin as she kneels in prayer.

The detail shows one of the huge Apostles holding the Virgin.