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  • Essay / The Coronation of the Virgin by Fra Angelico: Use of Art During...

    The Renaissance is a movement that began in Italy with the aim of reviving classical sources and breathing new life into them. Art in particular would change forever, paving the way for distinct and innovative artistic styles and ideas. Fra Angelico's Coronation of the Virgin (Figure 1) and other forms of religious artwork in Renaissance Europe, although their interpretation sometimes varied, were created with the aim of bridging social divisions under the protection of the ecclesiastical hierarchy. Commissioned for the Church of San Domenico in Fiesole, the Coronation of the Virgin was both visually beautiful and functional as a church altarpiece. The Dominicans hoped that through such art they could display their authority. This idea arose because Renaissance artworks were used to demonstrate power over the people, religious artworks of the time were riddled with Church teachings and hierarchy, and the he changing interpretation of art had affected the way people perceived art. The Renaissance was a time for art, but while art was a way for individuals to express themselves, it was also a way to control the behavior of others. Art, in general, is both a product of our society and a means of controlling it. Members of society, regardless of era, have used various art forms in order to support the minds of individuals in their community. Art, having the ability to stay in people's hearts and minds, has always affected people's psychology and emotions. When art delivers a truly understandable message, viewers are captivated by the intensity of the work. Those in power can use this to their own advantage by having art created in any way they please...... middle of paper ......, 106-13. Pamela M. Jones, “The Reception of Christian Devotional Art: The Renaissance to the Present,” Art Journal 57.1 (1998), 2-4. Patricia Rubin, “Hierarchies of Vision: The Coronation of the Virgin by Fra Angelico de San Domenico, Fiesole,” Oxford Art Journal 27.2 (2004), 139-153. Radhakamal Mukerjee, “The Meaning and Evolution of Art in Society,” American Sociological Review 10.4 (1945), 496-504. Randolph Starn, “Seeing Culture in the Bedroom of a Renaissance Prince,” in The New Cultural History, Lynn Hunt (Berkley and Los Angeles, CA: University of California Press, 1989), 205-232. Silvia Malaguzzi, Fra Angelico (Florence: Giunti Gruppo Editoriale: 2003). William Hood, “Angelico, Fra”, Oxford Art Online (2010), accessed February 13, 2014 .