This crucifixion fresco (1441-2) by Fra Angelico was painted in cell 38 on the second floor of the San Marco convent. Unlike the other crucifixion frescos that were painted on bare plaster, Fra Angelico used a background of expensive lapis lazuli, as this cell was reserved as a retreat for Cosimo de Medici. Cosimo was a lay member of the order through his patronage of the Dominican order and had financed the rebuilding of the San Marco convent and Fra Angelico’s cycle of frescos.

As the decoration of Cosimo de’ Medici’s retreat cell, Fra Angelico’s Crucifixion fresco takes on a dual function:it is both a tool of deep personal piety and a subtle expression of Medici identity, linking Cosimo’s private devotion with his family’s public role as defenders of Florence and supporters of the Church.

Essentially the fresco embodies the Medici balancing act: immense wealth and power, yet cloaked in piety and humility. By retreating into this cell, Cosimo could project himself not only as Florence’s de facto ruler but as a devout Christian prince, modeling himself after biblical and saintly exemplars.

The saints depicted are also significant as they represent Cosimo, his father Giovani, and his son Piero. At the base of the cross is Adam’s skull, which was used in renaissance art as a reminder of sin and redemption.