The Story of St. Nicholas 1448

Editor: Right, next up we have Fra Angelico's "The Story of St. Nicholas", painted around 1448. It’s a tempera and fresco painting. The way he splits up the scenes into these architectural boxes, it reminds me a little bit of a stage play. What do you see in it? Curator: Well, think of it not just as a stage, but a collection of sacred moments carefully arranged for our contemplation. I imagine Fra Angelico, a devout friar himself, wanting to fill us with the stories of Saint Nicholas so full of empathy that even today we remember them and associate the Saint with feelings such as kindness. But look how the space works here -notice the almost dreamlike quality to the buildings, their pastel colors so bright and pure. It creates a unique ethereal world, doesn’t it? Editor: Yes, it definitely does! There's a strange combination of real and unreal about the colours and almost cartoonish drawing. And it has an overall bright atmosphere. Almost a joyful vibe. What strikes you as the most important aspect of its Early Renaissance style? Curator: For me, it's Angelico's ability to blend the emerging naturalism of the Renaissance with the spiritual essence of earlier religious art. Think of Giotto’s weighty figures compared to these slightly weightless people in this bright scenery, almost gliding through these pivotal scenes of charity and grace. Doesn't that suggest a focus beyond just earthly representation? Editor: Definitely. The architectural detail shows Renaissance influence, but it seems to be bent to the artist's overall composition and the emotional affect. I had never thought of that! Curator: Exactly! It’s this interplay between the earthly and divine that makes Angelico so compelling. Now you see the divine through the Early Renaissance style, not despite it. Editor: So true! This makes me see "The Story of St. Nicholas" with entirely fresh eyes now, which is pretty amazing!