ANGELICO, Fra
(b. ca. 1400, Vicchio nell Mugello, d. 1455, Roma)

Christ in Limbo (Cell 31)

1441-42
Fresco, 183 x 166 cm
Convento di San Marco, Florence

This is the fresco on the wall of Cell 31 of the Convento di San Marco in Florence.

In contrast to most frescoes in the cells of the friars and novices, those in the corridor of the lay brethren are illustrative narratives that closely follow the Gospel of Matthew. These portrayals were directed to a community that was less attuned to theological and visual abstraction. Many of the scenes are situated in mountainous landscapes or detailed architectural settings. In Christ in Limbo, scaly demons hide in the rocky fissures of Purgatory while the faithful escape the darkness of Limbo to rush toward the resurrected Christ.

The contribution of an assistant can be assumed in the execution of this fresco.