Description
The painting Crucifixion with Mourners and Sts Dominic and Thomas Aquinas (Cell 37) by the artist Fra Angelico is an Early Renaissance masterpiece housed in the National Museum of San Marco in Florence. This work of art is one of the most impressive in Fra Angelico's collection due to its composition, artistic style and colouring.
The composition of the Crucifixion with Mourners and Saint Dominic and Saint Thomas Aquinas is impressive, with the central figure of Jesus Christ on the cross at the top of the painting. Around him are mourners, including the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Evangelist, who are mourning his death. At the bottom of the painting are Saint Dominic and Saint Thomas Aquinas, who are looking up at the figure of Jesus on the cross.
Fra Angelico's artistic style is very distinct, as it is characterized by the use of bright and vibrant colors, as well as the technique of linear perspective. The details in the painting are impressive, from the expressions on the faces of the mourners to the texture of the fabrics they wear.
The history of the painting is interesting, as it is believed to have been created for Fra Angelico's cell in the monastery of San Marco in Florence. The painting was designed to help Fra Angelico meditate on the crucifixion of Jesus and its meaning. Furthermore, the painting was also used as a tool to teach the monks about the history of the crucifixion and the importance of faith.
A little known aspect of the painting is that Fra Angelico used a painting technique called "a secco", which means that he painted on a dry surface rather than a wet one. This technique allowed him to have more control over the details of the painting and to create a bright and vibrant effect in the colors.
In conclusion, the painting Crucifixion with Mourners and Sts Dominic and Thomas Aquinas (Cell 37) by Fra Angelico is an Early Renaissance masterpiece that is impressive in its composition, artistic style, and colouring. The history of the painting and little-known details about its creation make it all the more interesting and valuable as a work of art.