Dome

Detail, lower left, Angel Gabriel and lower part of Virgin and desk; The altarpiece is known to have come from Lucca, and was acquired by the museum in 1821. A framed panel painting made of poplar, which is a freestanding altarpiece. According to a historical series published in Picture Frame Magazine, these early "framed panel paintings were made from one piece. The area to be painted was carved out, leaving a raised framing border around the outside edge, like a tray. The whole piece was then gessoed and gilded. Painting the image on the flat panel was the last thing to be done." Source: Wikipedia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page (accessed 4/23/2013)