ANDREA DEL CASTAGNO
(b. 1423, Castagno, d. 1457, Firenze)

Dormition of the Virgin

1442-43
Mosaic
Basilica di San Marco, Venice

The drawing for the mosaic of the Death of the Virgin in the Mascoli Chapel in St Mark's also dates from Castagno's Venetian period. The attribution to Andrea of this work has long been a matter of controversy, but recently critics have argued convincingly that Andrea's style is clearly recognizable in the architectural construction in the background and in the peaceful, contemplative mood in which the figures are portrayed, with a total absence of drama.