San Marco altarpiece, predella – Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian Condamned Fra Angelico (1400-1455)

The composition presents a scene of apparent persecution, unfolding within a fortified structure. A central group of three figures stands calmly amidst a chaotic environment of fire and violence. These individuals are surrounded by a swirling mass of bodies – some writhing in pain, others seemingly lifeless – all engulfed in flames that dominate the lower portion of the canvas.
The artist has arranged the scene with a distinct spatial layering. Behind the central group rises a high wall, topped by an enclosed terrace where numerous figures observe the events below. A man wearing a prominent red hat sits centrally on this terrace, seemingly presiding over the spectacle. The onlookers are rendered in varying degrees of detail, some appearing more engaged than others, creating a sense of distance and detachment.
The central group’s demeanor is striking. They appear unperturbed by the surrounding turmoil, their expressions serene, almost detached. Each figure is draped in simple robes – one yellow, one pink, and one blue – which contrast with the fiery red tones that permeate much of the scene. Above each head hovers a halo, indicating their sanctity or divine status.
The executioners are depicted on either side of the central group. They wield various weapons – swords, spears, shields – and appear to be actively participating in the persecution. Their poses are dynamic and energetic, contrasting with the stillness of the figures at the center. The artist has used a limited palette dominated by reds, yellows, blues, and pinks, contributing to the overall sense of drama and intensity.
Subtextually, the painting seems to explore themes of faith, suffering, and divine protection. The calm acceptance of the central group suggests an unwavering belief in something beyond the immediate physical danger they face. The onlookers on the terrace could represent a broader societal context – those who condone or passively observe acts of persecution. The fire itself might symbolize not only physical torment but also spiritual trial and purification. The composition’s structure, with its clear division between the persecuted and their persecutors, reinforces the narratives moral dimension.