Fra Angelico

This publication examines the innovative work of Fra Angelico, highlighting his four reliquaries for Santa Maria Novella and his impact on Renaissance painting through storytelling and artistic excellence.

Fra Angelico delves into the remarkable contributions of the renowned Renaissance painter, Fra Angelico, whose innovative approach transformed the art scene in Florence. The book serves as a companion to the exhibition at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, which reunites for the first time four of Angelico's exquisite reliquaries created for Santa Maria Novella. These pieces not only highlight key moments in the life of the Virgin Mary but also showcase Angelico's unique compositional techniques that set new standards in the art world.

Throughout the text, readers are invited to explore Angelico's dual identity as both an artist and a Dominican theologian. His ability to infuse traditional Christian subjects with fresh perspectives and deeper meanings speaks to his profound understanding of the narratives he depicted. The book emphasizes how Angelico's altarpieces and frescoes not only garnered him unparalleled fame across the Italian peninsula but also influenced the trajectory of painting in Italy and beyond.

In addition to discussing the reliquaries, the publication features exceptional examples of Angelico's narrative paintings sourced from prominent collections in Europe and the United States. This comprehensive exploration of his work reveals the depth of his storytelling abilities and artistic innovations, ultimately illustrating how Fra Angelico redefined the ideals of painting during the Renaissance, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire artists today.