Acquisition of Fra Angelico’s “The Crucifixion” by the Ashmolean Museum

The prestigious Ashmolean Museum in Oxford has successfully acquired the remarkable Italian Renaissance painting, “The Crucifixion,” by the renowned artist Fra Angelico. This acquisition was made possible after the museum paid a significant sum to prevent the artwork from leaving the UK, where it has resided for over 200 years. The painting, which dates back to the 1420s, was at risk of being sold to an overseas buyer last year.

Recognizing its cultural importance and value to the UK, the culture secretary intervened and granted a nine-month deferral in January. This allowed the Ashmolean Museum, the University of Oxford‘s esteemed museum of art and archaeology founded in 1683, the necessary time to secure the funds required to purchase this exquisite piece.

Fra Angelico’s “The Crucifixion” will now join the ranks of a select few of the artist’s works in British public collections. It will not only be showcased for undergraduate teaching at the University of Oxford but will also be included in educational programs aimed at schoolchildren. The museum announced that the painting is set to go on public display starting in December.

The University of Oxford revealed that the acquisition was made possible through generous lead donations from the Ashmolean’s Chairman, The Lord Lupton CBE, as well as from David and Molly Lowell Borthwick. Additionally, major grants were provided by the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Art Fund, and The Headley Trust, along with contributions from over fifty major donors and a successful public appeal.

“The Crucifixion” will enhance the Ashmolean’s already impressive collection of Italian Renaissance art, which features masterpieces by notable artists such as Paolo Uccello, Titian, and significant drawings by Raphael and Michelangelo. The inclusion of Fra Angelico’s masterpiece is expected to catalyze a complete rehang of the museum’s Italian Renaissance galleries, which have not undergone updates since 2009.

Dr. Xa Sturgis CBE, Director of the Ashmolean, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Fra Angelico’s Crucifixion is a wonderful acquisition for the Ashmolean, building on and transforming our early Renaissance collection.”

Professor Jennifer Sliwka, Head of the Department of Western Art at the Ashmolean Museum, added, “I am thrilled that Angelico’s Crucifixion will enter public ownership for the first time, allowing Ashmolean visitors the opportunity to experience his painterly skills and ability to evoke profound emotional and psychological states firsthand.”