Welcome to a place where we explore the beauty of our Catholic heritage through art, story, and hands-on activities. Today, we’re diving into the luminous world of Fra Angelico, one of the earliest painters of the Italian Renaissance whose gentle style and deep faith continue to inspire families and children alike. This unit is the first of 10 artists I planned and used with my son last year for our picture study lessons. Whether you’re a homeschooling parent, a Sunday school teacher, or simply someone who loves sacred art, this picture study will guide you in discovering God’s grace reflected in brushstrokes.
Why Study Fra Angelico?
Fra Angelico (c. 1395–1455) was a Dominican friar whose devotion shines through every panel and fresco. His work bridges the medieval and Renaissance worlds, combining spiritual symbolism with emerging techniques of perspective and naturalism. By exploring his paintings, children can learn:
- Faith Meets Art: How prayer and contemplation informed Fra Angelico’s compositions.
- Artistic Innovation: Early uses of linear perspective, gentle color transitions, and expressive figures.
- Stories from Scripture: Visual retellings of Gospel events that invite deeper reflection.
The Four Key Works
Below are four masterpieces by Fra Angelico. Each link goes to a high-resolution, public-domain image you can download and print for your family’s picture study.
The Visitation (predella panel, 1434–1436)
https://www.wikiart.org/en/fra-angelico/visitation-1434
For details about this artwork please visit:
https://www.teacherweena.com/post/fra-angelico-the-visitation
The Martyrdom of St. Cosmas and St. Damian (predella panel, c. 1440)
For details about this artwork please visit:
https://www.teacherweena.com/post/fra-angelico-the-martyrdom-of-st-cosmas-and-st-damian
The Annunciation (fresco, San Marco, Florence, c. 1440–1445)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annunciation_(Fra_Angelico,_San_Marco)
For details about this artwork please visit:
https://www.teacherweena.com/post/fra-angelico-the-annunciation
The Flight into Egypt (panel, c. 1450)
https://www.wikiart.org/en/fra-angelico/flight-into-egypt-1452
For details about this artwork please visit:
https://www.teacherweena.com/post/fra-angelico-the-flight-to-egypt
How to Use This Picture Study
- Print & Prepare: Download each image and print at A4 or letter size.
- Storytelling Time: Gather your children, show one painting at a time, and read the Scripture passage it illustrates.
- Reflect & Discuss: Ask open-ended questions—“How do you think Mary felt here?” or “What do you notice about the way Fra Angelico paints light?”
- Creative Follow-Up: Encourage your kids to draw their own version or write a short prayer inspired by the scene.
How to Do a Charlotte Mason Picture Study
1. Choose One Artist Per Term
Pick one artist to focus on for about 6–12 weeks. Select 6–8 artworks from that artist’s collection — one piece per week.
2. One Picture at a Time
At the start of each lesson, introduce one artwork. Give the child a few details: the title, the artist’s name, and perhaps the time period or context — but keep it brief. The picture should speak for itself.
3. Silent Looking (1–3 minutes)
Let your child observe the picture silently. No talking. Set a timer for 1–3 minutes depending on your child’s age. Encourage deep, quiet looking. You can say:
"Look at this picture carefully and try to remember everything you can. When I take it away, you’ll tell me all about it."
4. Narration
After the silent viewing, turn the picture over or hide it and ask:
“What did you see?”
Let your child describe the picture in their own words — this is the key to developing attention, memory, and language. Accept their narration without correcting or prompting.
5. Look Again and Discuss (Optional)
Show the picture again and let your child see what they missed or got right. You can then have a gentle conversation about the picture. Ask open-ended questions like:
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What part do you like best?
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How do you think the person is feeling?
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What’s happening in the background?
6. Display the Picture
Keep the artwork visible for the week — on a wall, easel, or in a notebook. This allows continued reflection and familiarity.
7. Add Variety Over Time
At the end of the term, let your child choose a favorite picture to narrate or reproduce through drawing or painting. You can also read a short biography of the artist.
Extend Your Learning: Picture Study Curriculum for Grades 3–6
If your children are ready to dive deeper, I invite you to explore more extension and differentiation activity ideas for Grades 3–6 that would work beautifully under a Fra Angelico art appreciation or Catholic artist unit
Then, I have a Catholic Picture Study Curriculum for Grades 3–6 which gently introduces families new to picture study with the use of thinking routines. This comprehensive program builds on Fra Angelico study with:
- Weekly lessons featuring six more master artists
- Cross-curricular ties to history, literature, and theology
- Printable guides, reflection questions, and creative projects
Learn more on the blog:
http://everythingisgodsgift.blogspot.com/2025/04/catholic-picture-study-curriculum-for.html
Get the complete curriculum:
https://www.teacherweena.com/product-page/catholic-picture-study-curriculum-grades-3-6
Free Bonus: Wonder & Wisdom Reflection Routines
Elevate your picture study lessons with a thoughtful companion designed to deepen observation and spark spiritual wonder. Subscribe below to receive “Wonder & Wisdom Reflection Routines”—a set of Catholic-centered thinking tools that guide students to look closely, reflect meaningfully, and express creatively. Perfect for enriching any art study in your home or classroom!
Click the link to subscribe:
https://www.teacherweena.com/subscribe
