Niccoline Chapel

The Niccoline Chapel was the private chapel of Nicholas V, and Fra Angelico painted it between 1447 and 1451 with two cycles, the lives of Saint Stephen above and Saint Lawrence below, set in architectural settings of great clarity and colour. It is small, high and intensely worked. It is not on the standard museum route and access is restricted, which keeps almost everyone out.

Background

The chapel sits in the Tower of Innocent III, the oldest part of the Apostolic Palace, and Pope Nicholas V had it built for his private use. Fra Angelico's assistants may have painted much of it. The frescoes draw out what the two saints share: each had been ordained a deacon, each gave alms to the poor, and each was martyred after boldly declaring the faith. Choosing them also ties together the Churches of Jerusalem and Rome. Overhead, the vault is painted blue and set with stars, with the Four Evangelists in its corners, and the eight Doctors of the Church appear on the pilasters.

Source: Wikipedia, "Niccoline Chapel"

The main sights

• The Saint Stephen cycle - the upper register of the decoration.
• The Saint Lawrence cycle - the scenes running below it.
• The painted architecture - the constructed settings Angelico placed the figures in.
• The 1447 to 1451 span - four years of work in one small room.

When to go

November to March is the quietest window at the museums generally. Access depends on arrangement rather than season. Openings are occasional and announced.

Things to know

This is genuinely difficult to see: it is not on the public route and access requires special arrangement that is rarely available. The room is very small and admits few people. Most visitors will not get in.

Nearby

The Raphael Rooms are nearby, and the Sistine Chapel is south.

Key facts