Kneeling Angel in Pink from SUMMIT COLLECTION

Fra Angelico, an Early Renaissance painter from 1395 to 1455, was known for his religious compositional paintings that revolutionized the art world. His exceptional talent, described as "rare and perfect," gained the admiration of important patrons and two Popes. In 1982, Pope John Paul II recognized his holiness in life and bestowed upon him the title of "Blessed." This official beautification marked Fra Angelico's status as a spiritual icon in art history.

Enthusiasts of the nineteenth century praised Fra Angelico, also known as the angelic friar, for the spiritual depth and poetic quality of his frescoes and altarpieces. One such masterpiece is the Assumption and Dormition of the Virgin Mary, originally painted in 1434 as part of a collection of four reliquaries for the church of Santa Maria Novella in Florence. Even today, the iconic angels depicted by Fra Angelico exude a sense of reverence and tranquility that captivates viewers.

The Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, situated in Boston, Massachusetts, acquired this rare painting in 1899. This angel represents a reinterpretation of one of the kneeling angels from Fra Angelico's original 2-dimensional artwork, transformed into a detailed 3-dimensional representation. Fra Angelico's legacy as a pioneer of religious art continues to inspire artists and art lovers around the world.

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