The artwork, “Beheading of Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian,” rendered by Fra Angelico between 1438 and 1440, is a notable piece from the Early Renaissance movement. Executed with tempera on paper, this religious painting measures 36 x 46 cm and belongs to the San Marco Altarpiece series. The composition is housed at the Louvre in Paris, France.
In the artwork, Fra Angelico captures the poignant moment of the beheading of Saints Cosmas and Damian, reflecting the fervent religious devotion and the dramatic narrative style characteristic of the Early Renaissance. The scene is set against a backdrop of a fortified medieval town with a mountainous landscape. On the right side, the executioner is shown in the act of beheading one of the saints, while the decapitated bodies of the others lie on the ground. Their halos, a symbol of sainthood, still glow amidst the horror. The onlookers, dressed in period attire, display varied expressions of shock, sadness, and reverence, contributing to the emotional gravity of the scene. The use of vivid colors, detailed facial expressions, and the meticulous depiction of contemporary attire showcase Fra Angelico’s mastery and his ability to convey both spiritual and human elements in religious art.
