The Annunciation by Fra Angelico. 1437-46. Photo by carulmare [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia CommonsToday is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, so it seems appropriate to feature this Annunciation by Fra Angelico for the Advent Calendar. I have known that I wanted to use this painting since the beginning of the month, it was just a question of when. I love the work of Italian monk Guido di Pietro, aka Fra Angelico (c. 1395-1455) because it is so soft, elegant, and refined, yet highly effective. I particularly enjoy the figure of Gabriel in this painting – his graceful posture, pale pink robe, and detailed wings. Fra Angelico’s Annunciation isn’t as dramatic as many other masters’ interpretations of this event, yet I find that I can’t stop looking at it, possibly for that very reason.
Yes, our art history teacher takes our students to San Marco about once in a month, on saturday, as part of our extracurricular program. Our students come from many countries around the world, and many of them are not so interested or involved in art history – but the sudden epiphany of this masterpiece on the top of the stairs really “shocks” them with a experience of beauty.
Thanks. One of the great works of art – in situ almost overwhelming in its tender beauty. Regards Thom.
Yes, our art history teacher takes our students to San Marco about once in a month, on saturday, as part of our extracurricular program. Our students come from many countries around the world, and many of them are not so interested or involved in art history – but the sudden epiphany of this masterpiece on the top of the stairs really “shocks” them with a experience of beauty.
There’s something so simple about it. It’s not trying too hard, which I think is why it affects people so strongly.