Angelico, Fra (c.1395-1455)
Imago Pietatis (Christ as Man of Sorrows flanked by Saint Mary Magdalene and Saint John the Evangelist)
1420–1429
Tempera on panel, 21 x 50 cm
Courtauld Institute of Art, London
This panel is part of a set of three that once formed the predella (or base) for the main altar of a Florentine convent of Dominican nuns, dedicated to Saint Peter Martyr. The roundels depicts the dead Christ against a black background, flanked by two instruments of his martyrdom: the lance used to pierce his side and a sponge soaked in wine used to quench his thirst. Mary Magdalen and Saint John the Evangelist are depicted on either side, turning towards Christ. The other two panels represent female holy figures: a Dominican nun (probably Catherine of Siena) and Cecilia on the left panel, and Catherine of Alexandria and Agnes on the right. The choice of these saints may have been influenced by the presence of their relics in the convent. (Courtauld)