I beati domenicani II (c.1423-1424)

Angelico, Fra (c.1395-1455)

I beati domenicani II (The Dominican Blessed)
c.14231424
Egg tempera on wood, 31.6 x 21.9 cm
National GalleryLondon

This panel shows the Dominican Blessed, both tertiaries (those who lived in general society rather than a convent, but were allied to the Dominican Order) and friars. They’re dressed in their distinctive black and white habits, neatly lined up in rows.

The Blessed were holy figures belonging to the Order (called the Dominicans because they were founded by Saint Dominic) who were venerated locally after their death. Some, like Catherine of Siena, shown here kneeling at the head of the front row, were eventually recognised as saints.

This panel framed the predella (the lowest part) of the altarpiece, made for San Domenico in Fiesole, a town outside of Florence. The predella showed Christ surrounded by angels and saints; its panels, and the pair to this panel, are also in the National Gallery. (NG)

Pair:

Angelico, Fra (c.1395-1455)
I beati domenicani I
c.14231424
National GalleryLondon

 

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)