The artwork titled “Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian before Lisius” by Fra Angelico was created between 1438 and 1440. Executed using tempera on panel, this masterpiece belongs to the Early Renaissance movement. With dimensions of 38 x 45 cm, it forms part of the religious painting genre and is included in the San Marco Altarpiece series. Currently, the artwork is housed in the Alte Pinakothek, located in Munich, Germany.
The artwork captures a significant moment where Saints Cosmas and Damian, adorned with halos, stand before Lisius, the ruling figure situated centrally on a throne. The scene is presented with a remarkable attention to detail, typical of Fra Angelico’s style. It dramatizes the confrontation, featuring a symmetrical architectural backdrop with classical columns, exemplifying Renaissance aesthetics. The figures are garbed in rich, vibrantly colored robes, establishing a contrast between the saints and the figures of authority. The expressions and gestures utilized by Fra Angelico narrate the tension and sanctity of the episode, with the flanking guards adding a sense of formality and order to the composition.
