Focus on Coronation of the Virgin (Fra Angelico, Uffizi) and discuss the Description.
The painting is on a gold ground (gilded background), a feature of medieval painting, over which is a small paradise where the Coronation is being held.
It portrays Christ crowning the Virgin; both are surrounded by rays (executed through an engraving technique above the gilded background) which symbolize the divine light. The painting has a mystic tone found in other Fra Angelico works, with a large crowd of saints, angels and blessed figures enhancing this aspect. On the left, in the foreground, is St. Egidius, titular of the church which originally housed the work. His face is perhaps modelled on that of Antonino Pierozzi, the former prior of the  convent of San Marco to which Fra Angelico belonged. He is followed by Zenobius of Florence, St. Francis and St. Dominic. On the right side are female saints, including a kneeling Mary Magdalene. In the last rows are musician angels. 
The structure of the work and the use of brilliant colors shows the influence of Angelico's master, Lorenzo Monaco, who executed another Coronation of the Virgin, also in the Uffizi.
Mary Magdalene Florence Uffizi Zenobius of Florence Angel left gilded Fra Angelico angel Antonino Pierozzi Coronation of the Virgin Lorenzo Monaco gold ground