The Martyrdom of Saint Mark

painting by Angelico

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June 30, 2026

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"The Martyrdom of Saint Mark" is a painting by Fra Angelico, an Italian painter of the early Renaissance. This artwork is part of a predella, which is a narrow strip of paintings along the bottom of an altarpiece. The painting depicts the martyrdom of Saint Mark, a significant event in Christian history. Fra Angelico was known for his serene religious attitude and strong classical influence in his work. His paintings often feature clear, delicate execution and vibrant luminosity, spiritualizing the figures. This particular piece, created around 1433, showcases his mastery of narrative and perspective within a small format.12

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Fra Angelico
San Domenico period
…Adoration of the Magi and The Martyrdom of St. Mark, which are lucid and compact in their narrative and have a strictly defined perspective, a technique that is even more effective in the small painting depicting the naming of John the Baptist.
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…Adoration of the Magi and The Martyrdom of St. Mark, which are lucid and compact in their narrative and have a strictly defined perspective, a technique that is even more effective in the small painting depicting the naming of John the Baptist.
Read More