But best of all I like the Flight into Egypt, in No.235.Everything here is joyous and (in spite of the terrible cause of the journey) bathed in the sunny light of the age of innocence: the landscape; Joseph, younger than usual, brave and resolute and undismayed by the curious turn in his fortunes; and Mary with the child in her arms, happy and pretty, seated securely on an amiable donkey that has neither bit nor bridle.

It is when one looks at Fra Angelico that one understands how wise were the Old Masters to seek their inspiration in the life of Christ.

One cannot imagine Fra Angelico's existence in a pagan country.

Look, in No.

236, at the six radiant and rapturous angels clustering above the manger.