Predella della Pala di San Domenico (c.1423-1424)

Angelico, Fra (c.1395-1455)

Predella della Pala di San Domenico (Predella of the San Domenico Altarpiece, Fiesole)
c.1423–1424
Tempera and gold on panel, 32 x 344 cm
National Gallery, London
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

These panels come from the predella (lowest part) of the altarpiece made for the high altar of San Domenico, Fiesole. Fra Angelico was a Dominican friar (a member of the religious order founded by Saint Dominic) as well as a painter. The church was attached to his own convent – so although he made two other altarpieces for it, he was not paid for his work.

Predellas usually showed narrative scenes of the lives of the saints who were depicted in the main part of the altarpiece. This one is unusual: it shows Christ in glory in heaven, surrounded in the central scene by angels. This is framed by two panels showing rows of saints and Old Testament figures. These in turn are enclosed on either side by Dominican ‘Blessed’ figures who were holy and revered but not saints.

The mass of saints includes Dominicans and reflects their interest in the saints of their order and the place of the Dominicans in the broader church. (NG)

Outer Left Pilaster Panel: The Dominican Blessed I

Inner Left Predella Panel: The Virgin Mary with the Apostles and Other Saints

Central Predella Panel: Christ Glorified in the Court of Heaven

Inner Right Predella Panel: The Forerunners of Christ with Saints and Martyrs

Outer Right Pilaster Panel: The Dominican Blessed II

Frame Panel: Saint Alexander

Frame Panel: Saint Romulus

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