Fra Angelico, The Annunciation, c. 1438-47, fresco, 230 x 321 cm (Convent of San Marco, Florence). Speakers: Dr Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker. Created by Beth Harris and Steven Zucker.
I'll never forget the first time I climbed those stairs to the blocks where the cells are and the see this fresco. the color in Saint Gabriel's wings, and the little sparkles of light shimmering like little flakes of gold. The most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
Khan videos , including this lovely one about San Marco, are excellent for discussing the most important aspects of the subject (art, history, politics) in soft spoken tones and the photos are clear, vibrant and relevant.
... so I checked. It seems that I too had a slught misunderstanding. The staircase is indeed a later addition, apparently built in the 17th century, during a renovation of the Monastry. It became a museum in the mid 19th century. As to the glittering effect of the Fresco (the Annunciation), it is not part of the painting. It is actually some sort of mineral in the cement-surface itself that glitters. This is an unintentional result of later restoration work. Best to all Fra Angelico admirers.
Very nice pictures of the San Marco Convent. However, as to the Annunciation you have a mistake. It is NOT meant to be seen from the staircase. The staircase was built much later (19 century I think), during renovations made while turning the complex into a museum. I will try to find out when exactly and post again.
That echoing little kid at the beginning cracked me up. The Last Supper fresco was beautiful - gone too soon, but I imagine I'll see it again. I imagine Mary reacting more like this than the incredibly stank faces of the previous playlist, lol.
