Reliquary Tabernacle Fra Angelico (1400-1455)

The composition presents a distinct bipartite structure, divided horizontally into two clearly delineated registers. The upper portion depicts a celestial event, while the lower portrays a scene of mourning and repose. A gilded background dominates both sections, contributing to a sense of otherworldly grandeur and spiritual elevation.
In the upper register, a central figure, draped in flowing blue robes and crowned with a halo, emanates light and appears to preside over the unfolding spectacle. Surrounding this figure is a multitude of figures – likely angels and saints – arranged in a hierarchical fashion. They are rendered with elongated proportions and stylized gestures, characteristic of the period’s artistic conventions. The artist employed a vibrant palette, utilizing pinks, yellows, blues, and greens for their garments, creating a visually rich and dynamic assembly. A palpable sense of movement is conveyed through the figures poses and the swirling drapery, suggesting an ascent or procession towards the divine presence above.
The lower register contrasts sharply with the upper one in mood and activity. Here we see a group of male figures gathered around a recumbent figure laid out on a raised platform. The expressions on their faces range from sorrow to quiet contemplation. Their garments are more subdued in color, primarily earth tones and reds, further emphasizing the solemnity of the occasion. The composition is tightly focused on the central figure, whose stillness and pallor underscore the finality of death. A small cluster of figures near the platform appear to be engaged in a ritualistic act, possibly lamenting or paying their respects.
The juxtaposition of these two registers creates a powerful narrative tension. The upper scene suggests an afterlife – a promise of heavenly reward and reunion – while the lower depicts earthly sorrow and loss. This pairing likely intends to convey themes of faith, hope, and the cyclical nature of life and death. The artist’s deliberate use of color, composition, and gesture serves to elevate the narrative beyond a simple depiction of events, imbuing it with profound spiritual significance. The gold background acts as a unifying element, suggesting that both realms – the earthly and the divine – are interconnected within a larger cosmic order.