After Fra Angelico (Italian, 1395-1455) tempura and gilt paint on panel icon titled "The Annunciation and Adoration of the Magi" depicting two religious scenes with incised decoration. Above, the Angel Gabriel visits Mary in an interior scene to announce to her that she will give birth to the Christchild, with the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, and God the Father watching over from above. Below, depicts a scene from Christ's Nativity in which the three Magi bring gifts to the Holy Family. The frieze of the frame portrays ten female saints identified with pencil inscriptions below their portraits. Signed "Olega Giardi Albina, Firenze" lower right. Embossed with two Florentine red wax seals en verso. Housed in an elaborate cathedral-style giltwood frame with a gothic pointed arch, twisted columns, quatrefoil, and foliate grape and vine decoration on a classical base with Latin inscriptions. Sight: 16" H x 9 3/4" W. Framed: 33 1/2" H x 23" W x 5 1/2" D. Italian, Late 19th century. Note: The original version of this work by Fra Angelico was a reliquary, housing religious relics in the Sana Maria Novella in Florence, along with four other similar panels depicting scenes of the Virgin's life. The work is currently housed in the Museo di Marco, Florence, Italy.
The collection of a Tennessee institution.
Condition
Overall very good condition with minor losses to dark paint details and light grime. Some minor cracking to frame along base and arch. Clean glue break to foliate frame decoration, upper left.