University of Virginia Library

CHARACTER OF FRA ANGELICO.
By GIORGIO VASARI.

FRA ANGELICO was a man of the utmost simplicity
of intention, and was most holy in every act of his
life. It is related of him, and it is a good evidence of his
simple earnestness of purpose, that being one morning invited
to breakfeast by Pope Nicholas V., he had scruples of conscience
as to eating meat without the permission of his prior,
not considering that the authority of the pontiff was super-seding
that of the prior. He disregarded all earthly advantages;
and, living in pure holiness, was as much the friend
of the poor in life as I believe his soul now is in heaven.
He labored continually at his paintings, but would do nothing
that was not connected with things holy. He might
have been rich, but for riches he took no care; on the contrary
he was accustomed to say, that the only true riches
was contentment with little. He might have commanded
many, but would not do so, declaring that there was less
fatigue and less danger of error in obeying others, than in
commanding others. It was at his option to hold places of
dignity in the brotherhood of his order, and also in the
world; but he regarded them not, affirming that he sought
no dignity and took no care but that of escaping hell and
drawing near to Paradise. And of a truth what dignity
can be compared to that which should be most coveted by
all Churchmen, nay, by every man living, that, namely,

which is found in God alone, and in a life of virtuous
labor?

Fra Angelico was kindly to all, and moderate in all his
habits, living temperately, and holding himself entirely apart
from the snares of the world. He used frequently to say,
that he who practised the art of painting had need of quiet,
and should live without cares or anxious thoughts; adding,
that he who would do the work of Christ should perpetually
remain with Christ. He was never seen to display anger
among the brethren of his order; a thing which appears to
me most extraordinary, nay, almost incredible; if he admonished
his friends, it was with gentleness and a quiet smile;
and to those who sought his works, he would reply with the
utmost cordiality, that they had but to obtain the assent of
the prior, when he would assuredly not fail to do what they
desired. In fine, this never sufficiently to be lauded father
was most humble, modest, and excellent in all his words
and works; in his painting he gave evidence of piety and
devotion, as well as of ability, and the saints that he painted
have more of the air and expression of sanctity than have
those of any other master.

It was the custom of Fra Angelico to abstain from retouching
or improving any painting once finished. He
altered nothing, but left all as it was done the first time,
believing, as he said, that such was the will of God. It is
also affirmed that he would never take the pencil in hand
until he had first offered a prayer. He is said never to
have painted a Crucifix without tears streaming from his
eyes, and in the countenances and attitudes of his figures it
is easy to perceive proof of his sincerity, his goodness, and
the depth of his devotion to the religion of Christ.

He died in 1455, at the age of sixty-eight.