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Wikimedia Commons · Public domain · Hover to magnify, click for fullscreen
Original fileFra Angelico - Angel playing a Tambourine detail from the Linaivoli Triptych, 1433, brightened
This figure stands against a brilliant gold-leaf background, positioned on a small cloud at the base of the frame. The angel's wings transition from dark brown to vibrant pink and red, and the blue robe is intricately detailed with gold embroidery. The red tambourine held in the angel's hands is decorated with a geometric star pattern and small metallic jingles.
The depiction of angelic musicians in the Early Renaissance reflects the Neoplatonic concept of celestial harmony and the 'Music of the Spheres.' This specific iconography aligns with the writings of Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite regarding the celestial hierarchies and the use of light and sound to represent divine emanations.
Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite
His work 'The Celestial Hierarchy' defined the ranks of angels and their role in transmitting divine light and harmony, which Fra Angelico visualizes here.
Object
the Linaivoli Triptych
Oil on panel
religious
Digital Source
Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
https://www.meisterdrucke.us/fine-art-prints/Fra-Angelico/232290/Angel-playing-a-Tambourine-(detail).html Original from the Linaivoli Triptych, 1433.
Public domain
404 × 1014 px
238cab03f0ebea754fdd426e4624f3d7bb6fd6e6
January 12, 2025
March 23, 2026
Linked Data
AI AI-cataloged fields generated by gemini-3-flash-preview on March 31, 2026. Getty identifiers are AI-inferred and may require verification.