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Blessed Fra Angelico

1387–1455

Blessed Fra Angelico, 1387–1455

February 18

Blessed Fra Angelico was an artist who painted pictures of Jesus, Mary, the Saints, and the angels. One of his most famous paintings shows the Angel Gabriel visiting Mary. Fra Angelico was asked by the Pope to decorate a special little chapel in the Vatican. Even today, many people come to see his paintings.

Discuss: Where do you see pictures of Jesus?

Blessed Fra Angelico was a wonderful artist who painted pictures of Jesus, Mary, the Saints, and the angels, One of his most famous paintings shows the Angel Gabriel telling Mary she would become the Mother of Jesus. Fra Angelico was asked by the Pope to decorate a special little chapel in the Vatican. He used bright colors and even real gold paint to make the room as beautiful as a treasure chest. Fra Angelico decorated many churches; even today, people come to see his paintings.
Blessed Fra was a member of the Dominican order. He served both Pope Eugene IV and Pope Nicholas V as an artist in Rome. He painted altarpieces and chapel walls as well as creating paintings to be framed.

In 1984, Pope Saint John Paul II declared Blessed Fra the patron of Catholic artists.

Activity

Paint a Chapel
Visual/Spatial

If possible, show the child Fra Angelico's art of the Annunciation. It can be found on the Internet. Then, invite the child to create their own art.

  • Cut out a paper plate in the shape of a chapel.
  • Provide finger-paints or watercolors and brushes for the child.
  • Tell them that their subject will be the Angel Gabriel visiting Mary to announce the birth of Jesus.
  • Encourage creativity. Display their art, and talk about the creative gifts of Blessed Fra Angelico and how his art is displayed in a chapel in the Vatican.