How did Fra Angelico show Masaccio’s influence in his paintings?

Fra Angelico incorporated the influence of Masaccio into his work by adopting several key elements of the early Renaissance style that Masaccio pioneered. Specifically, Fra Angelico’s paintings reflect Masaccio’s influence through:

• Sculptural Treatment of Figures: Fra Angelico moved toward a more monumental and sculptural representation of human figures, a hallmark of Masaccio’s style, which is notably visible in the male saints of the Linaiuoli Altarpiece and his high altar for San Marco.1
• Rational Space and Perspective: Following Masaccio’s lead, Fra Angelico embraced the use of perspective to create a sense of depth. In works like The Last Judgment and The Coronation of the Virgin, the recession of figures creates a feeling of space similar to that found in Masaccio’s compositions.2
• Innovative Use of Light and Color: Fra Angelico adopted Masaccio’s sophisticated approach to light and color to enhance the formalism and realism of his constructions.2

These adaptations demonstrate how Fra Angelico integrated the rationality and realism of Masaccio’s art into his own religious and didactic works.31