This painting forms part of the predella, or base of the Santa Trinità Altarpiece. The scene here shows the Beheading of James the Great. Other scenes from the predella include Mamas in Prison thrown to the Lions; Zeno exorcising the daughter of the Emperor Gallienus; and Jerome and the Lion. The predella was probably painted by Lippi and his workshop in Prato, between 1458 and 1460.
A fifth predella panel showing the vision of Saint Augustine while pondering the mystery of the Trinity has recently been identified as belonging to the altarpiece in the Hermitage, St Petersburg.
Key facts
Artist dates
born about 1406; died 1469
Full title
Beheading of Saint James the Great: Predella Panel
Date made
1455-60
Medium and support
Egg tempera, tempera grassa and oil on wood
Dimensions
27.5 x 38 cm
Acquisition credit
Presented by Mr and Mrs Felix M. Warburg through the Art Fund, 1937
Inventory number
NG4868.2
Location in Gallery
Other paintings in the group: The Pistoia Santa Trinità Altarpiece
Painting
Francesco Pesellino and Fra Filippo Lippi and Workshop
1455-60
Painting
Francesco Pesellino and Fra Filippo Lippi and workshop
1455-60
Painting
Francesco Pesellino and Fra Filippo Lippi and workshop
1455-60
Painting
Francesco Pesellino and Fra Filippo Lippi and workshop
1455-60
Painting
Francesco Pesellino and Fra Filippo Lippi and workshop
1455-60
Painting
Fra Filippo Lippi and workshop
1455-60
Painting
Fra Filippo Lippi and workshop
1455-60
Painting
Fra Filippo Lippi and workshop
1455-60
