The Coronation of the Virgin 1441

Fra Angelico painted this fresco of 'The Coronation of the Virgin' in the 1440s, using traditional materials. As a fresco, it was made by painting pigment onto wet plaster. Here, Angelico has used this medium to create a scene of ethereal calm, with the Virgin Mary kneeling before Christ, who crowns her as Queen of Heaven. The smoothness of the plaster gives a remarkable translucency to the colors, especially the blues and reds of the surrounding figures' robes. Each saint is rendered with incredible detail, a testament to Angelico's meticulous approach. Consider the skill involved: the artist had to work quickly, applying each brushstroke with precision before the plaster dried. The effect of light and shadow is achieved purely through layering of pigment. With this artwork, Angelico elevated the craft of fresco painting to the level of fine art, transforming a simple medium into an object of great beauty and devotion.