The San Marco Altarpiece: The Predella
Below is a reconstruction of the altarpiece with the predella and side panels, created by Louis Garden, to whom many thanks.


The predalla consists of nine panels. The centre panel shows the entombment of Christ: the others tell the story of twin brothers Cosmas and Damian. They were early third century Christian doctors, who practiced in Ancient Syria, which was then part of the Roman Empire. As they did not charge for their services they encouraged many to convert to Christianity.
  This did not go down well at the time of Diocletian,  and they were arrested by Lysias, the Roman prefect, and ordered to recant. They refused, and following a series of tortures, they were beheaded.
  The two end panels show them healing distiguished figures: the remaining panels depict their martyrdom. As you will see, the panels are scattered in galleries around the world.

Above left: The healing of Palladia. Cosmas and Damian carry out a miraculous cure. Damian is offered a gift, but is unwilling to accept it. National Gallery of Art, Washington.
Above right: Cosmas and Damian appear before Lysias. Alte Pinakothek, Munich. The additional saintly figures are thought to be  the younger brothers of Cosmas and Damian, Anthimus, Leontius and Euprepius. They appear in other panels.



Above Left: Cosmas and Damian are being judged, possibly by Lysias. He is conjuring up devils, and ordering an execution. In the background we see Cosmas and Damian being rescued by Angels. Alte Pinakothek, Munich.
Above right: An attempt is made for an execution by burning, but the flames are spreading towards the executioners. National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin.


Central panel: The Entombment of Christ.
Alte Pinakothek, Munich.



Above left: Cosmas and Damian are crucified and stoned. Alte Pinakothek, Munich.
Above right: the beheading, along with the younger brothers.The Louvre, Paris.



Above left: the Burial of Cosmas, Damian and their three brothers. Museum of San Marco, Florence.
Above right: The curing of Justinian. While he sleeps, his leg is replaced with that of a black African. Museum of San Marco, Florence.
On to the side panels

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