Tracing the footsteps of Fra Filippo Lippi through his frescoes in Prato
Forbidden love often invokes a lot of curiosity and interest today as it did so centuries ago. Although Fra Filippo Lippi was born in Florence in 1406, the famous renaissance painter is still often associated with scandal and the notoriety he gained when he moved to Prato and began to paint frescoes for the Duomo di Prato. According to Vasari Filippo Lippi or Fra Lippo Lippi, as he is most commonly referred to, began working on the frescoes for the choir of the Cathedral of Prato in 1456. A couple of years later in 1948 he met Lucrezia Buti, the charming and young daughter of a Florentine called Francesco Buti. Succumbing to her beauty and undoubted charms Fra Lippo Lippi not only used her as his model to paint her as the Madonna and Salome but also had a long and passionate affair with her resulting in the birth of their son and daughter. Their son Fillipino Lippo became a painter as well and achieved the lofty heights set by his illustrious father.
As we proceed towards the city of Prato we can see a magnificent ancient church built in various stages. This church had its origins from the tenth century when it was called the Pieve of Santo Stephano –Saint Stephen the first disciple of Christ and the patron saint of Prato. Many additions were added to the original church and it finally attained the status of a Duomo or Cathedral and currently houses the bishop.
The main walls of the choir in the Duomo of Prato showcase two of the most famous frescoes of Fra Lippo Lippi. They face each other and depict stories of Saint John the Baptist and Saint Stephen. These magnificent frescoes have stood majestically depicting the artistry and excellence of this renaissance painter and have recently been restored to their former glory. These luminous frescoes are vivid and yet controlled splashes of colour artistically depicting emotions and an innovative and exhilarating perspective of Christian history. The figure of Salome dancing has been featured by art afficionados and historians as been one of the most splendid and impressive figures among all his works. The floating figure of Salome, the temptress at King Herod’s banquet who delivers the head of John the Baptist on a platter, has been immortalized by many a painter, writer, musician and poet. But recently the city of Prato has also adopted this iconic painting of Salome by Fra Lippo Lippi as a symbol of their city. The Cathedral also house the famous Virgin Mary’s griddle which is safely ensconced in the Cathedral and taken out in a solemn procession on Christmas and other holy occasions to be venerated by the public.
The Cathedral of Prato also has many other famous works of art and historic value. Prato is not only the second largest city in Tuscany but is also a beautiful enclosed city with historic buildings, museums, a palace, churches, excellent food and famous citizens.
