A workshop to create an illuminated letter "Fra Angelico" style with Alison Salmon
Saturday 4 October, 9:00-13:00 (and 14:00-16:00)
G is for Guido di Piero, the birth name of Fra Angelico, Giovanni the name his fellow friars gave him, or simply Genius. One of the greatest artists of the Italian Renaissance, Fra Angelico is celebrated in the upcoming exhibition Beato Angelico at Palazzo Strozzi and Museo di San Marco (26 September 2025 – 25 January 2026).
Trained as a miniaturist, likely alongside his brother Benedetto, Fra Angelico developed a distinctive style that defied contemporary trends. While Masaccio and others pursued anatomical realism, Fra Angelico remained faithful to a sinuous Gothic elegance, marked by luminous pastels and exquisite detail.
In this workshop, Alison Salmon will guide you in recreating a letter from the Missal of Saint Dominic (Gradual 558), the most important manuscript held at the Museo di San Marco. Produced between 1424 and 1430, likely for the Dominican convent in Fiesole. The initial is the start of the Latin phrase Gaudeamus omnes in Domino — "Let us all rejoice in the Lord" - featured in the manuscript.
The initial is the start of the Latin phrase Gaudeamus omnes in Domino.....
The workshop includes small prepared shells containing:
- gold pigment
- black, yellow ochre
- ultramarine blue
- minium (red lead)
- malachite
- sap green
- synthetic lead yellow
- purple mixed from ultramarine blue and carmine red
- white, and rose madder
You can join the four-hour morning session to learn Fra Angelico’s illumination techniques and begin your design. You’ll take your materials home to complete the work — or stay for two additional guided hours in the afternoon to finish your letter with expert support.
No previous experience needed
Registration fee:
- €90 per head, materials included, from 9:00 to 13:00
- €125 per head, materials included, with two extra hours after lunch (14:00-16:00)
ONLINE REGISTRATION - 4 HOURS WORKSHOP - 90 EURO