Fra Angelico, the esteemed friar, and painter of the Early Renaissance, whose work revolutionized Western painting, will once again take center stage at an upcoming auction. Known as the patron saint of Catholic artists, Fra Angelico’s artistry and mastery of perspective brought a new level of humanistic portrayal to holy scenes. With only two instances of his work going to auction in the past century, the art world eagerly anticipates the sale of another Fra Angelico piece this summer.
During an Old Master’s evening sale on July 7th, the renowned auction house Christie’s will present “The Crucifixion with the Virgin, Saint John the Baptist, and the Magdalen at the Foot of the Cross.” This early work of Fra Angelico, believed to have been painted between 1419 and 1424, has been analyzed by six scholars. It serves as the central panel of a commissioned work whose patron remains unknown.
Francis Russell, Christie’s UK Deputy Chairman, expressed his excitement upon realizing the significance of this masterpiece by Fra Angelico. He stated in a press release, “This panel exemplifies his deep religious conviction. Intensely personal, it also expresses his understanding of the revolutionary achievement of the great Florentine sculptors of his time.”
Russell highlights Fra Angelico’s use of perspective in depicting Christ on the cross. Unlike previous depictions that showed a straight-on view, including the right-hand side of the post, Fra Angelico’s portrayal maintains the correct perspective. This deviation from convention reveals his meticulous study of Tuscan sculptors such as Ghiberti and Brunelleschi, who expanded the understanding of three-dimensional figures and perspective in art.
Furthermore, the painting showcases Fra Angelico’s skillful use of color. While certain aspects adhere to conventional norms, such as the Virgin Mary’s blue dress and Mary Magdalene’s pink attire, Fra Angelico employed other techniques to impose his unique sense of color composition. For instance, he painted the blood of Christ using the same tones found in the pelican’s pierced breast and Mary Magdalene’s robe.
Every element in Fra Angelico’s artwork is intentional and purposeful. His meticulous attention to detail and incorporation of revolutionary artistic techniques make his paintings highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts alike. As the gavel falls at the upcoming auction, the art world will eagerly anticipate the fate of this rare Fra Angelico masterpiece, recognizing the profound impact of his contributions to the history of art.