The Crucifixion with the Virgin, Saint John the Evangelist and the Magdalen by Fra Angelico

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The Ashmolean has acquired the 15th-century artwork, The Crucifixion with the Virgin, Saint John the Evangelist and the Magdalen, with National Heritage Memorial Fund support.

The Crucifixion was painted in the 1420s by Fra Angelico, who was a Dominican friar and one of the most celebrated artists of the Italian Renaissance. It is one his earliest works and demonstrates the power, beauty and sensitivity for which he would later become known.

While most of his paintings are large-scale frescoes this piece is one of the few surviving small-scale works on panel by the artist.

Saved for the UK public

The unique painting had been in private ownership and was at risk of leaving the country. However, due to the work’s value and importance, the UK Government imposed an export license stop. Now the painting can go on free public display for the first time as part of the Ashmolean's collection.

Simon Thurley, Chair of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, said: “Fra Angelico's masterpiece, The Crucifixion, having long been in private ownership, is in uniquely fine condition, and a rare and worthy addition to the Ashmolean's important collection of Renaissance art.”