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

The composition presents a scene of martyrdom set against a landscape rendered with a delicate atmospheric perspective. Two figures are suspended on crosses dominating the upper portion of the canvas; their bodies appear slender and elongated, exhibiting a stylized naturalism characteristic of the period. The sky behind them is muted, suggesting a sense of solemnity and distance.
Below, a group of individuals actively participates in the execution. Some wield bows and arrows, aiming at the crucified figures, while others hurl stones. Their attire suggests a variety of social classes – some are clad in simple tunics, while others wear more elaborate garments indicating higher status. The artist has depicted them with varying degrees of emotional expression; some appear impassive, others seem to revel in their violent act.
In the foreground, a figure kneels, seemingly attempting to intervene or offer solace. This individual is draped in flowing robes and gestures towards the crucified figures, creating a focal point that draws the viewers attention. The ground is covered with lush grass and scattered foliage, providing a contrast between the brutality of the event and the natural beauty of the setting.
The use of gold halos around the heads of the two central figures signifies their sanctity and divine status. Their posture on the crosses conveys both suffering and serenity, hinting at a spiritual triumph over physical torment. The overall effect is one of dramatic intensity combined with an underlying sense of piety and reverence.
Subtly, the scene seems to explore themes of faith, sacrifice, and persecution. The juxtaposition of violence and beauty suggests a commentary on the paradoxical nature of religious devotion – that it can inspire both acts of profound compassion and unspeakable cruelty. The inclusion of figures from different social strata implies a universal aspect to suffering and martyrdom, transcending class boundaries. The landscape itself, while seemingly idyllic, serves as a backdrop for an act of barbarity, creating a tension between the natural order and human transgression.