Linaioli Tabernacle (shutters closed)
by ANGELICO, Fra, Tempera on panel, 260 x 330 cm
The Arte de’ Linaiuoli, the Guild of Linen Manufacturers, commissioned this altarpiece from Angelico in 1432, for the Residenza of the Guild in the Piazza Sant’ Andrea in Florence. The mammoth marble frame, 520 cm high and 270 cm wide, was designed by Ghiberti and executed by three craftsmen in his workshop. It is firmly classical, with round arch, dental cornice, and pediment.
On the outside of the doors are two monumental and statuesque figures: St Mark and St Peter. Both stand on flat but irregularly edged rocks. The background is dark and unarticulated: there is no attempt to claim it for the picture space. St Mark’s lion crouches behind his right leg. St Peter holds his key and gazes heavenwards.