Angelico, Fra (c.1395-1455)
I beati domenicani I (The Dominican Blessed)
c.1423–1424
Egg tempera on wood, 31.8 x 21.9 cm
National Gallery, London
The Dominican Blessed, both friars and nuns, dressed in the distinctive black and white habits of the Dominican Order, are neatly lined up in rows. The Blessed were holy figures belonging to the Order (founded by Saint Dominic in 1215) who were venerated locally after death. Some, like Vincent Ferrer – here holding a book and a large flame – were eventually recognised as saints. Ferrer founded a convent in Fiesole; the altarpiece that this panel comes from was made for it.
Each figure carries a different object: we see a skull, a bird and a vase of lilies, the symbol of Saint Dominic. One, clearly killed with a saw that is shown embedded in his head, holds a palm, symbolic of martyrdom. This panel framed the predella (the lowest part) of the altarpiece, which showed Christ surrounded by angels and saints. The predella panels and this painting’s pair are also in the National Gallery. (NG)
Pair:
Angelico, Fra (c.1395-1455)
I beati domenicani II
c.1423–1424
National Gallery, London
These panel comes from the predella (lowest part) of the altarpiece made for the high altar of San Domenico, Fiesole.
See also:
• Predella della Pala di San Domenico (c.1423-1424)