Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which artistic techniques did Fra Angelico learn from Masaccio?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Fra Angelico
Madonna of Humility, tempera on panel by Fra Angelico, c. 1440; in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.
Fra Angelico incorporated several key artistic techniques from Masaccio that helped define his transition into the Early Renaissance style. These influences include:
- Sculptural Figure Treatment: Fra Angelico adopted Masaccio’s approach to rendering figures with a sense of weight and volume, moving away from purely flat or linear depictions toward a more sculptural, three-dimensional quality.12
- Perspective: He closely followed the new artistic trends of his time, specifically the representation of space through linear perspective. His works, such as the Linaiuoli Altarpiece and the San Marco altarpiece, demonstrate a sophisticated, rational articulation of space similar to that found in Masaccio’s compositions.32
- Innovative Use of Light and Color: Fra Angelico utilized light and shade to enhance the illusion of solidity in his figures, a technique Masaccio famously employed to create monumentality and depth.13
- Formalism: The influence of Masaccio is evident in the formal construction of Fra Angelico’s paintings, where figures are arranged to create a believable, receding environment rather than a traditional, shallow stage.32