Predella

A predella is the platform or step on which an altar stands. In painting, predella refers to the paintings or sculptures running along the frame at the bottom of an altarpiece. They often consist of narrative scenes, e.g. scenes in the life of a particular saint.

Examples of predellas include:

• Duccio - the predella of his Maestà
• Lorenzo Monaco -  Incidents in the Life of Saint Benedict (http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/cgi-bin/WebObjects.dll/CollectionPublisher.woa/wa/work?workNumber=NG4062) (c1407-9)
• Luca Signorelli - The Adoration of the Shepherds (http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/cgi-bin/WebObjects.dll/CollectionPublisher.woa/wa/work?workNumber=NG1776) (1510-1515)