LIFE OF THE PAINTER, FRATE GIOVANNI DA FIESOLE,
OF THE ORDER OF PREACHING FRIARS.
[born 1387—died 1455.]
Fra Giovanni Angelico da Fiesole, who, while in the world, was called Guido,[1] having been no less eminent as a painter and miniaturist than excellent as a churchman, deserves to be held in honourable remembrance for both these causes. This master might have lived in the world with the utmost ease and comfort, since, in addition to what he originally possessed, he might have gained whatever he desired by the exercise of the arts with which, while still very young, he was perfectly well acquainted.[2] But he chose nevertheless, in the hope of ensuring the peace and quiet of his life, and of promoting the salvation of his soul, to enter the order of the preaching friars; [3] for although it is certain, that we may serve God in all conditions, yet to some it appears, that they can more effectually secure their salvation in the cloister than in the world; and this purpose is doubtless successful, as regards the man of good and upright purpose, but the contrary as certainly happens to him who becomes a monk from less worthy motives, and who is sure to render himself truly miserable.
There are certain choral books from the hand of Fra Giovanni in his convent of San Marco at Florence, of which the miniatures are such that no words could do justice to their beauty.[4] Similar to these are others, which he left in San Domenico, at Fiesole, and which are executed with inexpressible care and patience: it is true that he was assisted in these works by an elder brother,[5] who was also a miniaturist, and tolerably well versed in painting.
- ↑ He was born near the Gastello di Vicchio, in the province of Mugello, in Tuscany: his father’s name was Pietro, but the family name is known. In Florentine documents he is called Frater Joannes Petri de Mugello.
- ↑ See Rumohr, ut supra, 2, 251, for an admirable dissertation on the manner of this artist. See also Carus in the Kunstblatt for 1825, No. 103.
- ↑ This he did in the year 1407.
- ↑ Many of these books were dispersed or destroyed during the French domination, but some are still preserved in San Marco.
- ↑ Or, more probably, a younger brother, who took the Dominican habit
