St Peter Martyr Altarpiece, predella – Man of Sorrows with saints Mary Magdalene and John the Evangelist Fra Angelico (1400-1455)

The composition presents three figures contained within individual ovals, each framed by a gilded border and set against a dark background. The central figure dominates the scene; he is depicted as a man bearing visible wounds – a puncture in his side and marks on his hands – suggesting a history of suffering and sacrifice. He sits with his hands clasped, his gaze directed downwards, conveying an air of profound sorrow and resignation. A halo surrounds his head, indicating his divine status.
To the left, a female figure stands, her arms outstretched in a gesture that could be interpreted as either offering or supplication. She is clad in a vibrant red garment, which contrasts with the muted tones of the other figures. Her long hair cascades down her shoulders, and her expression appears contemplative.
On the right, another male figure stands, his head bowed and hands raised to his face in what seems to be an act of mourning or lamentation. He is dressed in a pink robe, and his posture suggests deep empathy for the suffering depicted in the central figure.
The arrangement of these figures within their oval compartments creates a sense of isolation and introspection. The limited color palette – primarily reds, pinks, and flesh tones – contributes to the overall mood of solemnity and pathos. The gilded frames serve to highlight each individual portrait while simultaneously emphasizing the separation between them.
Subtly, the work explores themes of suffering, compassion, and faith. The wounds on the central figure allude to a narrative of sacrifice and redemption, while the gestures of the flanking figures suggest emotional responses to this event – one offering solace or support, the other expressing grief. The composition’s deliberate arrangement invites contemplation on the nature of human suffering and the role of faith in confronting it.