Three predella panels. Centre panel.

These three panels representing holy figures in small round frames were originally joined to form one long sequence. They constituted the base, or predella, of a large altarpiece (reconstructed below) made for a convent of Dominican nuns in Florence.

The central image shows Christ with the lance and sponge used at his Crucifixion. The other figures are saints whose relics were probably held in the convent church (from left to right, the Blessed Margaret of Hungary and Saints Cecilia, Mary Magdalen, John the Evangelist, Catherine of Alexandria and Agnes). Despite their small scale, the figures are all incredibly expressive.

The artist was himself a Dominican friar. Born Guido di Pietro, he was given the name ‘Fra Angelico’ (Angelic Friar) in honour of his devotion and the refinement of his paintings.

Christ as Man of Sorrows flanked by Saint Mary Magdalene and Saint John the Evangelist