Crucifixion with Saints and Virgin (cell38)

walwyn Mon, 04/12/2021 - 21:17
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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 and that of cell 39, was reserved for Cosimo de Medici, a lay member of the order through his patronage.
 

To the left of the crucifixion are reprentations of Saint Cosmas and the Virgin Mary.

 

and on the right are Saint John the Evangelist and Saint Peter Martyr. Collectively these were the patron saints of Cosimo, his son Piero, and father Giovanni.