ANGELICO, Fra
(b. ca. 1400, Vicchio nell Mugello, d. 1455, Roma)

Predella of the St Peter Martyr Altarpiece (detail)

1427-28
Tempera and gold on panel, 20 x 49 cm
Courtauld Gallery, London

The predella (now separated) of the St Peter Martyr Altarpiece depicts the Dead Christ with six saints, five of whom female. It was addressed specifically to the sisters who knelt before it in prayer. The holy women on the predella served as models for the piety of the sisters.