Fra. Angelico
Born Giovanni da Fiesole c. 1400, Fra. Angelico was a Dominican whose artistic works combine spirituality and naturalism, so standing as a bridge between Mediæval and Renaissance styles. Before entering the monastery at San Marco c. 1422, Giovanni was probably a miniaturist who had studied with Ghiberti and painted in a Gothic style. His frescoes (done 1438-1445) at his monastery, of which he was prior, are among his most famous works and show his ability to fit artistic expression into architectural constraints. In 1445, Pope Eugene IV summoned Fra. Angelico to Rome, where he painted in old St. Peter's and in the private chapel of Nicholas V in the Vatican. The work in old St. Peter's has since been destroyed. His altarpieces at Fiesole and at Assisi are exemplars of his style, which shows skilled draftsmanship and excellent use of color. Angelico died in 1455 and was beatified in 1982.
Karen Rae Keck
including the header and this copyright remain intact.