The panel once formed part of a large altarpiece at the high altar of Florence Cathedral. In the apocryphal story, the Virgin’s suitors were instructed to bring rods to the temple altar. The rod belonging to Joseph flowered and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove perched on the tip, indicating that he was to be the Virgin’s spouse.

Purchased by Queen Victoria and presented to Prince Albert on his birthday, 26 August 1846

No. 97