Fra Angelico: San Marco, Florence

Fra Angelico's magnificent 15th-century frescoes at San Marco monastery in Florence are among the greatest achievements in the history of art.

Now you can tour this widely loved site, guided by the scholarship of a highly regarded art historian. This Jane's Smart Art Audio Guide is the exclusive audio adaptation of a popular book in The Great Fresco Cycles of the Renaissance series, written by William Hood, professor of art history at Oberlin College and a renowned Fra Angelico scholar.

Jane's engaging narration reveals the true meaning of Fra Angelico's art in the context of the culture and monastic traditions of the times, and explains the central role these ground-breaking paintings played in the daily lives of the humble friars who lived here. Some famous feet have walked these halls: one of Michelangelo's brothers was an Observant Dominican living here, Cosimo dei Medici had a suite of cells here, and the fire-and-brimstone preacher Savonarola was prior at San Marco in the late 15th century.

This in-depth guide is indispensable for art-lovers and history-buffs. It's the smart way to experience Fra Angelico's frescoes at San Marco! With Jane as your audio tour guide, you can put away your guidebook, become absorbed in the story of San Marco, and experience a deep and lasting appreciation of the essence of this remarkable place.

The 45-minute "Slice of History" background segment is meant for advance listening. It provides the context that will enhance your appreciation of what you'll see once you arrive at San Marco. The on-site tour starts in the lovely, restful cloister and the adjacent Chapter Room, and then proceeds upstairs to the dormitory. The on-site tour takes from 75 minutes to 95 minutes.

A printable eight-panel PDF file includes floor plans keyed to the audio track list, to keep you oriented, and a glossary to clarify unfamiliar terms.