The Crucifixion

Long considered to be by Francesco di Gentile da Fabriano, this predella panel, which formed part of a polyptych owned by the great Victorian architect Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, has recently been attributed to the Marchigian artist, Luca di Paolo di Niccolo' da Matelica. The altarpiece, dated 1462, was placed by Pugin in St. Mary's, Derby, the church considered to be the architect's first expression of his Gothic Revival style. The central panel of the polyptych, depicting the Madonna and Child enthroned surrounded by angels, was sold in these rooms by Mrs J.T. Hardman on 15 July 1960 (lot 39) along with the two flanking panels showing Saints Jerome and John of Prato and Saints Gregory and Sebastian (lot 40). The remaining fragments, which included the present work and two further predella panels showing The Virgin adoring the Infant Christ and The Resurrection, were later sold on 30 March 1962 (lots 80-82).