Description
The painting Sixtus II Consacrates St Lawrence as Deacon by the artist Fra Angelico is a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. The piece, which measures 271 x 197 cm, is in the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC and is considered one of the artist's best works.
Fra Angelico's artistic style is very evident in this work. His figures are soft and delicate, with painstaking attention to detail. The colors are bright and vibrant, giving the work a sense of life and movement. The composition is very balanced, with a clear hierarchy between the main and secondary figures.
The story behind this painting is fascinating. It represents the moment when Pope Sixtus II consecrated Saint Lawrence as a deacon of the Church. The scene is very dramatic, with the Pope and the cardinals dressed in their deep red robes and capes. San Lorenzo, for his part, is kneeling before them, with an expression of humility on his face.
There are some lesser known aspects of this painting that are worth mentioning. For example, the artist included a series of hidden symbols in the work, which can only be deciphered by those who are well acquainted with Christian iconography. Furthermore, it is believed that Fray Angelico used the "tempera" technique to create this work, a technique that involves mixing pigments with egg to create a durable paint that resists the passage of time.
In summary, the painting Sixtus II Consacrates St Lawrence as Deacon by Fra Angelico is an Italian Renaissance masterpiece that combines a delicate and detailed artistic style with a fascinating story and balanced composition. It is a piece of art that remains relevant and exciting today, continuing to inspire artists and art lovers around the world.