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Charlotte Mason Picture Study Aid Peter Paul Rubens

And still older students, she recommended this in Volume 3 (pg 354):

Subject: Fra Angelico.
Group: Art. Class IV. Average age: 16 1/2.

Time: 30 minutes.

OBJECTS.
1. To show reproductions of some of Fra Angelico’s pictures.

2. By means of them, to point out such distinguishing features as will enable my pupils to recognise

Fra Angelico’s work wherever they may see it.
3. To show in what degree his work holds a place in high art.

LESSON.

Step 1. Give a short sketch of the life of Fra Angelico.

Step 2. Allow time for my pupils to look at the pictures provided, namely, various reproductions of

‘Christ in Glory,’ ‘Saints in Paradise,’ ‘Angels,’ ‘Christ as Pilgrim,’ ‘Annunciation,’ ‘Crucifixion,’ ‘Noll

me tangere,’ ‘Descent from the Cross,’ ‘Transfiguration.’

Step 3. To notice what strikes us most in Fra Angelico’s work––the exquisite jewel-like finish; the pure

open skies and unpretending clouds; the winding and abundant landscapes; the angels; the touches of
white light; the delicacy and grace of form; the colouring; the peace.

Step 4. If high art is to be seen ‘in the selection of a subject and its treatment, and the expression of the
thoughts of the persons represented,’ how far does Fra Angelico come up to this standard?

He unites perfect unison of expression with full exertion of pictorial power. This will be illustrated by

further reference to the pictures, and by reading some passages from Modern Painters.

Step 5. Allow my pupils time to look again at the pictures, summarising meanwhile by a few
questions.

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