Deposition from the Cross 1440

Fra Angelico created this altarpiece, Deposition from the Cross, now located in the Basilica di San Marco, Florence, in the early 15th century. Born Guido di Pietro, Angelico, or the “Angelic painter,” was a friar whose religious devotion profoundly shaped his artistic vision. Painted during the Early Renaissance, the work depicts Christ’s removal from the cross. The composition is filled with emotion: Mary Magdalene kneels, grief etched across her face, while the other figures display a somber reverence. Angelico’s figures often embody a sense of grace, reflecting his deep spiritual beliefs and the importance of empathy within his religious context. The traditional narrative of the deposition is made new by Angelico's ability to depict the emotional weight of this moment. The work invites contemplation on faith and humanity. Angelico’s art sought not only to depict religious scenes but also to elicit a sense of spiritual awakening.