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

Predella of the San Domenico Altarpiece

1423-24
Tempera and gold on panel, 32 x 244 cm
National Gallery, London

The San Domenico Altarpiece at Fiesole adorned the high altar, located in the choir, where the friars sang hymns as they celebrated the Divine Office. Only the friars would have been privileged to view the predella in all its detail, as they knelt before the altarpiece. Nearly 300 miniature angels, Old Testament prophets, New Testament saints and Dominican worthies are identified by their distinctive features, attributes and garments as well as by inscriptions. The figures turn toward the central panel, where the resurrected Christ ascends heavenward among throngs of angels acclaiming his majesty with music and prayer.

The predella is now separated from the altarpiece and exhibited in the National Gallery, London.