Saint Fra Angelico
Stored in Cargo: Saint Fra Angelico
| Saint Fra Angelico | |
| Feast Day | February 18 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Artists, Christian artists, Catholic artists |
| Birthplace | Vicchio di Mugello, Republic of Florence |
| Death Place | Rome, Papal States |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
| Primary Shrine | San Marco Museum, Florence, Italy |
Fra Angelico, born Guido di Pietro, was an Italian painter and Dominican friar known for his religious artwork that combined deep spirituality with artistic innovation[1].
Renowned for his frescoes in the monastery of San Marco in Florence, his works are characterized by their serene beauty and devotional quality[2].
Beatified and canonized in the same ceremony by Pope John Paul II, Fra Angelico is celebrated for his contribution to art and his life of piety[3].
Biography
Birth
Guido di Pietro, later known as Fra Angelico, was born around 1395 in Vicchio di Mugello, near Florence[4].
Early Life
He was trained as an artist in Florence, showing early promise in the field of painting[1].
Occupation
He was both an artist and a member of the Dominican Order, known for integrating his faith into his art[3].
Vocation
He entered the Dominican Order around 1423, taking the name Fra Giovanni da Fiesole, later known as Fra Angelico[4]. His vocation as a friar was as significant to him as his work as an artist.
Death
He died on February 18, 1455, in Rome while working on a commission for the Vatican[1].
Significant events
- Decorated the Convent of San Marco with frescoes that are considered some of his finest works[2].
- Worked on various altarpieces and frescoes, including for the Vatican, where his art influenced both the religious and artistic communities[1].
- His approach to art was seen as an extension of his spiritual life, earning him the title "the Angelic Painter"[4].
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Vicchio di Mugello, Republic of Florence
Death location: Rome, Papal States
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Death
Fra Angelico died peacefully in Rome while engaged in his artistic work for the Church.
Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize Fra Angelico as a Servant of God began in the 20th century, reflecting his historical significance and personal holiness[3].
Venerable
He was declared Venerable for his life of heroic virtue[3], though the exact date isn't widely documented.
Beatification
Beatified on October 3, 1982, by Pope John Paul II[3].
Canonization
Canonized on the same day, October 3, 1982, by Pope John Paul II[3], in recognition of his contributions to the Church through art and his exemplary life as a friar.
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
No specific miracle was required for his beatification; his canonization was based on his life and works[3].
Miracle for canonization
Similarly, no specific miracle was necessary for canonization, focusing instead on his life of virtue and influence through art[3].
Other notable miracles
His life and works have been seen as miracles of inspiration and beauty in themselves[4].
Patronage
Fra Angelico is the patron saint of artists, especially Christian and Catholic artists[3].
Feast day
His feast day is observed on February 18[3].
Veneration
Fra Angelico is venerated for his integration of faith and art, with many of his works still inspiring devotion in the San Marco Museum in Florence, where his relics are also kept[4].
Books
Written about the saint
- Numerous books and articles have been written about Fra Angelico and his art, but no specific modern books were listed[4].
Written by the saint
- Fra Angelico did not leave any known written works; his legacy is primarily through his art[4].
External links
- Britannica's biography on Fra Angelico[1]
- Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fra Angelico[2]
- Vatican's document on the canonization of Fra Angelico[3]
- Wikipedia entry on Fra Angelico[4]