The artwork titled “Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian Crucifixed and Stoned,” created by Fra Angelico between 1438 and 1440, is a panel tempera painting from the Early Renaissance art movement. This religious painting, measuring 38 x 46 cm, belongs to the San Marco Altarpiece series and is currently housed at the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, Germany.
In the artwork, the depiction is centered on the martyrdom of Saints Cosmas and Damian. The scene shows the two saints being crucified, with their bodies affixed to crosses while stones are flung at them. The background reveals a serene landscape, contrasting sharply with the violent act being portrayed. The figures of the saints are further illuminated with halos that emphasize their holiness amidst their suffering. Surrounding the crucifixes, various persecutors and executioners are depicted in dynamic poses, contributing to the dramatic intensity of the scene. Fra Angelico’s use of vivid color and delicate detail epitomizes the early Renaissance style, combining religious fervor with a keen sense of human expression and emotion.
