PICTURE IN SIX PIECES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23009, 9 April 1938, Page 9 (Supplement)

PICTURE IN SIX PIECES

A REMARKABLE story lies behind the gift to the National Gallery, London, of four panels belonging to a 15th century altar. They may be seen completing the picture in the exhibition at Burlington House. This beautiful altar was the work of the Florentine artist Pesellino, who was commissioned to paint it for tho church of St. Trinita in Pistoia. The artist died suddenly before the work was finished, and the picture was completed by the famous Filippo Lippi. It is not known when the pltar disappeared from the church, but in 1836 it was found to be still" intact, though it was not to remain so for long, for soon afterwards it was cut up into six pieces, all of which were sold separately. < .... ' ,

Now began the remarkable adventures of these panels. One of them, representing the Trinity, was bought for the National "Gallery at a sale 74 years ago. Tw6 (pictures of angels), were found in English collections during the Great War and came into the possession of the Gallery. The fourth, * a panel of saints (found 'in George V.'s -collection} and. .the fifth, found ten years later, were both presented to the 5 Nation, * leaving only one secti6n of the picture still missing. This was a piece containing four panels, which has just been given to the National Gallery by Mr. and Mrs. Felix Warburg. ' ,So the famous altar is complete again, except for one missing iragment which has been restored by Professor Tristram. V