XIX: God’s Own Heart

Tell Your Friends About "How Great Thou ART!"

“Fra Angelico used frequently to say that he who practiced the art of painting had need of quiet, and should live without cares or anxious thoughts; adding that he who would do the work of Christ should perpetually remain in Christ.”      Vasari  (16th century art historian)

……………………………………………………………….

Morning Coffee with Barry Stebbing

Gabriel (close up)by Fra Angelico


One of my quests over the years has been to find a painter who truly glorified God in his artwork, and who was humble and totally consecrated in Christ.  It seems that classical composers such as Bach, Handel, Rachmaninoff, Antonin Dvorak and many others have far exceeded other branches of the arts with their commitment to glorify God.  However my journey has focused on finding that master in the fine art of painting who loved the Lord with such depth.     

We may find Christian artists in the annals of art like Jean Francois Millet, Albrecht Durer,  John Constable, Carl Bloch, Bernini and Rembrandt.  However, very little is known about their faith, except that they were raised in Christian households and reared on the Bible.  Among these, few kept journals or wrote letters expressing their faith in Christ, with Michelangelo and Van Gogh being rare exceptions .  It is also worth noting that many of the masters were commissioned by the Church, not for the merit of their faith, but for their artistic abilities.  Finally, we should realize when studying art history, that scholars simply fill in the blanks of an artist’s life with their own opinions.  With that said, we as Christians should even more so be able to fill in the blanks through our own research and spiritual discernment?  

I deeply respect Michelangelo, and have great compassion for the cross both Van Gogh and Rembrandt had to bare in their journeys of sorrow through their lives. Yet my choice of an artist with a fervent love for Christ invariably rests on Fra Angelico, for he is the paramount example of an artist who truly consecrated his works to the Lord. 

 

The Annunciation by Fra Angelico 

God said,  Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man… (Job 1:8).   This scripture always comes to mind when reflecting on Fra Angelico.  Giodo di Pietro (1395-1455) was born in Italy, and early in his manhood he consecrated his life in Christ and joined the Church of the Dominicans.  He would soon be given the name Fra Angelico, the angelic one.  Throughout his lifetime he only painted spiritual masterpieces by request from the church, many of which are on church walls and ceilings throughout Italy, along with the many paintings he did for the monastery where he lived.  It is said that whenever Fra Angelico painted, he always commenced with fasting and fervent prayer.   It was also witnessed that, whenever he painted the crucified Christ, he wept.  The Annunciation (above) is one of his finest masterpieces among a series on the same theme displayed within various churches.  He expresses the moment when the Angel Gabriel announces to Mary she is going to be with child (Luke 1:26-33).  Notice Adam and Eve are in the distance being escorted out of the Garden of Eden, even as Gabriel announces the birth of Jesus who will redeem mankind from its original sin. 

Upon his death, Beato was added to Fra Angelico’s name, meaning blessed.  John Ruskin, the renown English art critic of the 19th century, would say of  Fra Angelico’s paintings, that they were The most radiant consummation of the pure ideal of Christianity in all art.   Giorgio Vasari, the great Renaissance art historian of the 16th century would add, It is impossible to bestow too much praise on (Fra Angelico) who was so modest and humble … and whose pictures were painted with such facility and piety.   In 1982, Pope John Paul II proclaimed Beato to be part of the official name of Fra Angelico. And so, we wipe away the dust upon the archives and find our earthen treasure – the most humble and consecrated artist throughout the land.  If you desire to be an artist and glorify God, you have an exemplary role model.

……………………………………………………………….  

My life is devoted to Christ.  It is for Him that I breathe ….   Sister Teresa                                                              

……………………………………………………………….

Art History Tidbit:  Fra Angelico lived in the crux between the older established style of the Gothic Period and the sublime and colorful style of the Renaissance, incorporating the best of both periods in unique his works.

……………………………………………………………….

Coffee Memo:   I think Fra Angelico was a man after my own heart, and it would be a great joy and honor to share a good cup of coffee with him in silence and meditation, or better yet, watch him paint. 


   

 

       

       

                                                         

   

                                     


Leave a Comment