In this work Fra Angelico shows that his style was derived from Giotto
and Orcagna, though his figures with their large heads, are treated
like miniatures and become insignificant; the result is cold and void,
precisely by reason of this over conscientious execution.
The face of the Virgin lacks expression and sentiment, while the
angels depicted on the slope of the frame in act of sounding trumpets,
psalters, cymbals etc., have such a sweetness of sentiment that they
seem literally rained down from heaven.
[Illustration]
III.
FRA ANGELICO AT FLORENCE.
[1436-1445.]
[Illustration]
SAN MARCO.
[Illustration]
The church of San Giorgio--writes Vasari--"had at this time been given
to the monks of San Domenico da Fiesole, but they did not occupy it
longer than from about the middle of July to the end of January,
because Cosimo de' Medici and Lorenzo his brother had obtained for
them, from Pope Eugenius, the church and convent of San Marco, which
had previously been occupied by Salvestrine monks, to whom San
Giorgio was given in exchange. Moreover, they (Cosimo and Lorenzo de'
Medici), being much devoted to religion, and zealous for the divine
service and worship, gave orders that the above-named convent of San
Marco should be entirely rebuilt according to the design and model of
Michelozzo, commanding that it should be constructed on the most
extensive and magnificent scale, with all the conveniences that those
monks could possibly desire."[37] And in the year 1436, the said
monks made their entry with pomp and solemn fetes, in which the three
bishops of Taranto, Treves and Parentino, took part, preceded by the
mace-bearers of the Signoria who were sent to give greater
magnificence to the scene. Fra Cipriano, Vicar general of the new
congregation of the "Osservanza," took possession of the convent in
the name of that Order.[38]
"The first part completed," continues the Aretian biographer, "was
that above the old refectory and opposite to the ducal stables, which
had formerly been erected by the Duke Lorenzo de' Medici. In this
place twenty cells were made, the roof was put on, and the various
articles of wood-work brought into the refectory, which was finished
as we see it in our day."[39]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account