One of Raphael's earliest works, greatly influenced by Perugino, this served as the altarpiece of the side chapel in S. Domenico in Città di Castello, the stone frame of which is dated 1503. As is usual, the Virgin and Saint John the Evangelist stand on either side of the cross. In this case, Saints Jerome and Mary Magdalene also kneel before it. Angels catch Christ's blood in chalices, such as are used for the wine of the Mass. The predella was painted with episodes from the life of Saint Jerome, to whom the altar was dedicated.
