The artwork, titled “Marriage of the Virgin,” was created by Fra Angelico between 1431 and 1432. This Early Renaissance religious painting, rendered in tempera on panel, measures 19 by 51 centimeters. It is currently housed in the Basilica di San Marco in Florence, Italy.
In this visually arresting painting, Fra Angelico depicts the solemn moment of the Virgin Mary’s marriage. The composition is marked by a delicate use of color, with the central figures of Mary and Joseph standing out through their serene expressions and the soft, flowing lines of their garb. An array of bystanders, both male and female, are grouped on either side, participating in or observing the sacred ceremony. The architectural elements in the background, characterized by a blend of classical and Gothic styles, enrich the depth of the scene. The artist employs fine detailing and a balanced symmetry, enhancing the narrative’s spiritual gravitas and the purity of the event being portrayed.
