Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
San Marco
7
The convent of San Marco was founded
in the 13th century and enlarged in
1437 when Dominican monks from
nearby Fiesole moved here at the
invitation of Cosimo il Vecchio. He
paid a considerable sum to have the
convent rebuilt by his favourite architect,
Michelozzo, whose simple cloisters and
cells are the setting for a remarkable series of
devotional frescoes (c.1438-45) by Fra Angelico.
Cells 38 and 39
were
reserved for Cosimo
il Vecchio when he
retreated to the
convent to find
spiritual sustenance
and peace.
Dominican friar
in grey habit
The Mocking of Christ
Fra Angelico's beautiful
allegorical fresco (c.1440)
shows Jesus blindfolded
and being struck by a
Roman guard.
Cells 12 to 15
contain
relics of the religious
fanatic Savonarola, made
prior of San Marco in
1491
(see pp52-3)
.
An ancient cedar
stands in Michelozzo's
Sant'Antonino cloister.
Entrance to the
church (Chiesa di
San Marco)
Entrance to Museo
di San Marco
The Deposition
(1435-40)
This poignant scene of the
dead Christ, and other works
by Fra Angelico and his
School, are displayed in the
former Pilgrims' Hospice.
KEY TO FLOORPLAN
Ground floor
First floor
Sant'Antonino
cloister
Non-exhibition space
