Boston Athenæum

March 29, 2018 at the Boston Athenæum. In 1899, Isabella Stewart Gardner acquired the first Fra Angelico painting in America. The exhibition Heaven on Earth at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum reunites for the first time the founder's magnificent Assumption and Dormition of the Virgin with its three companions from the Museo di San Marco, Florence. Conceived as a set of jewel-like reliquaries between 1424 and 1434 for one of the most important churches in Florence, they tell the story of the Virgin Mary’s life. This lecture explores how a Dominican friar in Renaissance Florence transformed the history of western art with breathtaking paintings of peerless originality. Immerse yourself in the material splendor of his craftsmanship and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations for this exhibition. Renaissance master Fra Angelico (c. 1400-1455) transformed the history of western art with his breathtaking paintings. Heaven on Earth reunites for the first time the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum’s ma