On Good Shepherd Sunday Fr Michael Dunleavy OP delivered a wonderfully rich illustrated lecture, chronicling the life and ‘Way of Beauty’ of Fra Angelico from c.1390-1400 right through to the 1980s when Pope John Paul II beatified him and proclaimed him ‘Patron before God, of all artists, especially painters’.
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Fr Michael’s passion and depth of knowledge were as captivating as the paintings he chose to consider on this occasion. Along with an examination of the most beautiful artwork, he also more broadly explored the magnificence of the relationship between art and prayer.
Our sincere thanks to Fr Michael for bringing to us what only some get to experience first-hand in the wonders of Florence and beyond.
A sincere thanks to all who attended, those involved in preparations and the team at the Imperial Hotel for their support.
Above is the only one of Fra Angelico's paintings to be found in Ireland - Attempted Martyrdom of Ss Cosmas & Damian, c.1438, tempera and gold leaf on panel, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin. The narrative scene on this small panel (37.8 x 46.4 cm) was part of the predella of an altarpiece originally commissioned by Cosimo de’ Medici for the church of San Marco in Florence.