Giorgio Vasari

“ Fra Giovanni Angelico da Fiesole, who, while in the world, was called Guido, [1] having been no less eminent as a painter and miniaturist than excellent as a churchman, deserves to be held in honourable remembrance for both these causes. This master might have lived in the world with the utmost ease and comfort, since, in addition to what he originally possessed, he might have gained whatever he desired by the exercise of the arts with which, while still very young, he was perfectly well acquainted. ”

“ In fine, this never sufficiently to be lauded father was most humble, modest, and excellent in all his words and works; in his painting he gave evidence of piety and devotion, as well as of ability, and the saints that he painted have more of the air and expression of sanctity than have those of any other master.
It was the custom of Fra Giovanni to abstain from retouching or improving any painting once finished. He altered nothing, but left all as it was done the first time, believing, as he said, that such was the will of God. ”

“ In the chapel of the Nunziata at Florence, Avhich Piero di Cosimo de’ Medici caused to be constructed. Fra Giovanni painted the doors of the armory or press, wherein the silver utensils for the service of the altar are deposited, the figures are made and executed with much care. [17] He painted besides SO many pictures which are now in the dwellings of different Florentine citizens, that I remain sometimes in astonishment, and am at a loss to comprehend how one man could so perfectly execute all that he has performed, even though he did labour many years. ”

“ Not that I would have any suppose me to approve the placing in churches of such figures as are depicted in all but perfect nudity; by no means: for in such cases the painter has not taken into consideration the reserve that was due to the place. He may have just cause for desiring to make manifest the extent of his power; but this should be done with due regard to circumstances, and not without befitting respect to persons, times, and places.
Fra Giovanni was a man of the utmost simplicity of intention, and was most holy in every act of his life. ”

“ And, of a truth, so extraordinary and sublime a gift as that possessed by Fra Giovanni, should scarcely be conferred on any but a man of most holy life, since it is certain that all who take upon them to meddle with sacred and ecclesiastical subjects, should be men of holy and spiritual minds; for we cannot but have seen that when such works are attempted by persons of little faith, and who do but lightly esteem religion, they frequently cause light thoughts and unworthy inclinations to awaken in the beholder ”

“ But what are we to suppose that such people would do if they were placed, or rather what do they when they are placed, where they find living beauty, accompanied by light manners, by seductive words, by movements full of grace, and eyes that cannot but ravish the heart not amply guarded? ”

“ In the landscape forming the background are seen Adam and Eve, by whom it was made needful that the Virgin should give birth to the Redeemer. In the predella are likewise certain stories, the small figures of which are extremely beautiful. [15]
But superior to all the other works of Fra Giovanni, and one in which he surpassed himself, is a picture in the same church, near the door on the left hand of the entrance: in this work he proves the high quality of his powers as well as the profound intelligence he possessed of the art which he practised. ”

“ Gentile da Fabriano was likewise among the disciples of Fra Giovanni, as was Domenico di Michelino, who executed the altar-piece of San Zanobi, in the church of Sant’ Apollinare, of Florence, with many other pictures. [34] Fra Giovanni Angelico was interred by the brethren of his order in the church of the Minerva at Rome, beside the lateral door which opens on the sacristy. On his tomb, which is of marble and of a round [35] form, is the portrait of the master taken from nature ”

“ In a chapel of the same church is a picture from the same hand, representing our Lady receiving the annunciation from the angel Gabriel, with a countenance, which is seen in profile, so devout, so delicate, and so perfectly executed, that the beholder can scarcely believe it to be by the hand of man, but would rather suppose it to have been delineated in Paradise. ”

“ Jo. de Flor. Ord. P. mcccclv. ↑ The German commentators inform us that certain highly decorated choral books were transferred from Santa Maria del Fiore to the Biblioteca Laurenziana, but of those here mentioned they declare that no authentic account can be obtained. The latest Florentine writers on this subject record their failure in the same search as follows: “Among the many and admirable books now in the Duomo, it has not been given to us to behold any one from the hand of Fra Giovanni.” ”

“ Förster. ↑ Vasari might have commended the conception and composition of these stories as well as the care of their execution. They are now in the Gallery of the Fine Arts in Florence. Eight of the stories have been engraved in La Galleria delle belle arti di Firenze, and the whole series, thirty-six in number, had been previously engraved by Nocchi of Florence. —Ed. Flor. 1849. ↑ They are no longer to be seen, ↑ Now in the Academy of the Fine Arts in Florence. ”