An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Saint Romualdc. 1440
Artist: Fra Angelico (Fra Giovanni da Fiesole)
Italian (Florence), 1395/1400 - 1455
From the high altar of San Marco, Florence Italy (sold late 18th century)
15 15/16 x 5 1/4 x 5/8 in. (40.48 x 13.34 x 1.59 cm) (panel)
15 1/4 x 5 7/16 in. (38.74 x 13.81 cm) (sight)
19 x 9 x 1 3/8 in. (48.26 x 22.86 x 3.49 cm) (outer frame)
Tempera on panel
Painting
Italy
15th century
The Putnam Dana McMillan Fund
In a serene corner of the world, where time gracefully flows like a gentle stream, there was a man named Saint Romuald. Born in the year 950, he became a beacon of simplicity and tranquility, founding an order of monks that cherished the quiet power of austerity and meditation. Imagine him, clad in his striking white robe—a symbol that connected him to the revered Benedictines, a thread that wove tradition and devotion together.
In his hands, he held a book and a staff crafted from fragile reeds—elements as humble as the life he chose. Each item whispered tales of wisdom and a commitment to living simply, where every moment was a prayer, and every breath, an offering to the divine.
As we gaze upon Saint Romuald, captured in a moment of reflection, we see the brushstrokes of Fra Angelico, the painter whose soul resonated with the same devout spirit. The fine details of Romuald's expression mirror a profound stillness, while subtle shadows dance across the folds of his robe, evoking a sense of calm that invites us into his world.
Through the artistry of Fra Angelico, Saint Romuald emerges not just as a figure of history but as a timeless symbol of peace, urging us all to pause, to reflect, and to find solace in the simplicity of our own lives. His story, much like the artwork that immortalizes him, serves as a gentle reminder that in the quietest moments, we often find our most profound truths.
About the artist
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