San Marco Altarpiece (1438-40)

The San Marco Altarpiece was removed and dismembered in the seventeenth century during the renovation of the church belonging to the Convent of San Marco and dedicated to the two medical saints, Cosmas and Damian. In addition to the main painting representing the Virgin and Child Enthroned with Angels and Saints, there were 9 predella pictures, seven in the front and two on the lateral sides. Only two of the predella paintings remained in the Convent, all the others are now in different museums (in Washington, Munich, Dublin and Paris).

Based on the results of thorough research, scholars agreed in the reconstruction of the altarpiece. The predella pictures depict the story of Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian on eight small panels, while the nineth, located in the centre, represents the Entombment (Pietà).

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 22 minutes):
Heinrich Schütz: Magnificat