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The Annunciation (San Marco, Florence, c. 1440–1445) Date:  c. 1440–1445 Medium:  Fresco Location:  Convent of San Marco, Florence, Italy Description: This serene fresco depicts the Archangel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary. The figures are set within a graceful loggia with classical arches and Corinthian capitals. Gabriel, clothed in flowing pink, bows reverently to Mary, who is seated and receives the message with humility. The loggia opens to a garden of symbolic flowers, while the soft colors and delicate forms radiate peace and holiness. Style:  Fra Angelico’s gentle figures, luminous colors, and refined architectural perspective create an atmosphere of divine grace and calm. To see the complete unit on Fra Angelico Picture Study, please visit: https://everythingisgodsgift.blogspot.com/2025/07/discovering-grace-through-art-of-fra.html

The Martyrdom of St. Cosmas and St. Damian (predella of the San Marco altarpiece, c. 1440) Date:  c. 1440 Medium:  Tempera on panel Location:  Predella panel from the San Marco Altarpiece, now in the Museo di San Marco, Florence, Italy Description: This panel depicts the execution of the twin saints, Cosmas and Damian, who are beheaded by a swordsman on a rural path. The background features rolling hills, medieval towers, and cypress trees, typical of Tuscan landscapes. On the left, onlookers and soldiers observe the execution, while the executioner is shown mid-strike on the right. The scene is marked by vivid reds, delicate golden halos, and a solemn sense of martyrdom. Style:  Fra Angelico’s composition balances narrative clarity and tender spirituality, with carefully rendered expressions and landscape. To see the complete unit on Fra Angelico Picture Study, please visit: https://everythingisgodsgift.blogspot.com/2025/07/discovering-grace-through-art-of-fra.html

The Visitation (from the predella of the Cortona Annunciation altarpiece, 1434–1436) Date:  1434–1436 Medium:  Tempera on panel Location:  Originally from the predella of the Cortona Annunciation altarpiece, now in the Museo Diocesano, Cortona, Italy Description: This predella panel is divided into two scenes: Left side:  The Visitation – the meeting of the Virgin Mary and Saint Elizabeth, set against an ochre landscape with a walled city in the background. The women embrace with halos glowing. Right side:  The Adoration of the Magi – three wise men presenting gifts to the newborn Jesus, held by Mary. A humble, rustic architectural setting frames the scene. Style:  Early Renaissance, with delicate figures, serene expressions, and a spiritual, luminous quality typical of Fra Angelico's work. To see the complete unit on Fra Angelico Picture Study, please visit: https://everythingisgodsgift.blogspot.com/2025/07/discovering-grace-through-art-of-fra.html

Link to Artwork: https://makotofujimura.com/art/portals/walking-on-water Scripture:   Matthew 14:29 Virtue Focus: Trust Week A: Observation + Thinking Thinking Routine: Parts – Purposes – Complexities Day 1 Activities:  Silent observation of the artwork - Use the thinking routine: Parts – Purposes – Complexities Connect the image to Scripture and virtue. Discuss meaning, symbolism, and emotional impact. Day 2: Journal Prompt How does this painting help you understand the meaning of trust or faith? Week B: Creative Response Day 1: Artistic Expression Creative Task: Watercolor & gold or metallic accents Optional: write a poem titled “Eyes on Jesus”  or “When I Look Down” Day 2: Sharing and Reflecting Prompt: What did you discover while painting with light and texture?

Link to Artwork: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/11081 Scripture: Isaiah 11:6–9 Virtue Focus: Peace Week A: Observation + Thinking Thinking Routine: What Makes You Say That? Day 1 Activities:  Silent observation of the artwork  Use the thinking routine: What Makes You Say That?  Connect the image to Scripture and virtue. Discuss meaning, symbolism, and emotional impact. Day 2: Journal Prompt What does this artwork teach me about Peace? Week B: Creative Response Day 1: Artistic Expression Creative Task: Make a peaceful animal scene using paper cutouts or colored pencils. Day 2: Sharing and Reflecting Prompt: How can we live more peacefully with others?

Link to Artwork: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Migration_Series#/media/File:Migration_Series_Panel_1.jpg Scripture: Exodus 3:7–8 Virtue Focus: Justice Week A: Observation + Thinking Thinking Routine: Color – Shape – Mood Day 1 Activities: Silent observation of the artwork - Use the thinking routine: Color – Shape – Mood  Connect the image to Scripture and virtue. Discuss meaning, symbolism, and emotional impact. Day 2: Journal Prompt What does this artwork teach me about Justice? Week B: Creative Response Day 1: Artistic Expression Creative Task: Create a comic-style panel showing a journey, movement, or change. Day 2: Sharing and Reflecting Prompt: Where have you or your family journeyed—physically or spiritually?

Link to Artwork:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Red_Studio#/media/File:Atelier_rouge_matisse_1.jpg Scripture : Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 Virtue Focus: Order Week A: Observation + Thinking Thinking Routine: I Notice – I Wonder – It Reminds Me Of Day 1 Activities: Silent observation of the artwork - Use the thinking routine: I Notice – I Wonder – It Reminds Me Of  Connect the image to Scripture and virtue. Discuss meaning, symbolism, and emotional impact. Day 2: Journal Prompt What does this artwork teach me about Order? Week B: Creative Response Day 1: Artistic Expression Creative Task:   Draw or paint your own space—messy, creative, cozy, or bold. Day 2: Sharing and Reflecting Prompt: What does your space say about who you are?

Link to Artwork: https://www.artic.edu/artworks/24306/blue-and-green-music Scripture: Psalm 150:4–6 Virtue Focus: Joy Week A: Observation + Thinking Thinking Routine: See – Think – Wonder Day 1 Activities: Silent observation of the artwork Use the thinking routine: See – Think – Wonder Connect the image to Scripture and virtue. Discuss meaning, symbolism, and emotional impact. Day 2: Journal Prompt What does this artwork teach me about Joy? Week B: Creative Response Day 1: Artistic Expression Creative Expression: Paint while listening to instrumental music. Let color follow sound Day 2: Sharing and Reflecting Prompt: What emotions did the music bring out in your art?

Link to Artwork: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3f/Jean_II_Restout_-_Pentecost_-_WGA19318.jpg Scripture: Acts 2:1–4 Virtue Focus: Zeal Week A: Observation + Thinking Thinking Routine: Connect – Extend – Challenge Day 1 Activities: Silent observation of the artwork Use the thinking routine: Connect – Extend – Challenge Connect the image to Scripture and virtue. Discuss meaning, symbolism, and emotional impact. Day 2: Journal Prompt What does this artwork teach me about Zeal? Week B: Creative Response Day 1: Artistic Expression Creative Task: Use red, orange, and gold to show the Holy Spirit coming down. Day 2: Sharing and Reflecting Prompt: If a flame of the Spirit rested on you, what would it empower you to do?

Link to Artwork: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isenheim_Altarpiece#/media/File:Grunewald_Isenheim1.jpg Scripture: John 19:26–30 Virtue Focus: Sacrifice Week A: Observation + Thinking Thinking Routine: What Makes You Say That? Day 1 Activities:  Silent observation of the artwork  Use the thinking routine: What Makes You Say That?  Connect the image to Scripture and virtue. Discuss meaning, symbolism, and emotional impact. Day 2: Journal Prompt What does this artwork teach me about Sacrifice? Week B: Creative Response Day 1: Artistic Expression Creative Task: Express pain and hope through color or abstract art Day 2: Sharing and Reflecting Prompt: Where do you see light in the middle of suffering?

Link to Artwork: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_the_Rosary_(Murillo,_Madrid)#/media/File:Virgen_del_Rosario_(Murillo).jpg Scripture:  Luke 1:46–55 Virtue Focus: Devotion Week A: Observation + Thinking Thinking Routine: Parts – Purposes – Complexities Day 1 Activities:  Silent observation of the artwork - Use the thinking routine: Parts – Purposes – Complexities Connect the image to Scripture and virtue. Discuss meaning, symbolism, and emotional impact. Day 2: Journal Prompt What does this artwork teach me about Devotion? Week B: Creative Response Day 1: Artistic Expression Creative Task: Make a Marian-inspired rosary collage or prayer card. Day 2: Sharing and Reflecting Prompt: What makes Mary a good mother and listener?

Link to Artwork: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Light_of_the_World_(painting)#/media/File:Hunt-light-of-the-world.jpeg Scripture: John 8:12 Virtue Focus: Hope Week A: Observation + Thinking Thinking Routine: Color – Shape – Mood Day 1 Activities: Silent observation of the artwork - Use the thinking routine: Color – Shape – Mood  Connect the image to Scripture and virtue. Discuss meaning, symbolism, and emotional impact. Day 2: Journal Prompt What does this artwork teach me about Hope? Week B: Creative Response Day 1: Artistic Expression Creative Task: Paint or collage a door with symbols around it—what might be inside? Day 2: Sharing and Reflecting Prompt: What does Jesus knock on in your life?