A predella is the lower part of an altar piece. Art historians also use the word for the pedestal of an altar piece. This painting was such a pedestal. In art history predellas are quite important. Late medieval and Renaissance altar pieces had central panels that showed huge static figures. A predella showing a number of smaller picture stories would then be added. These elaborated on the lives of those depicted on the main panels, usually Jesus or Mary. The painter had more freedom in his work here than in the main panels, because the representations on the predellas could only be seen close-up. It allowed painters to distinguish themselves from other painters. Most predellas have come to be separated from the rest of the altar pieces they originally belonged to.
For more information on what can be seen in this painting, press A For more information on predellas, press B