San Pietro

This panel of Saint Peter by the Master of Saint Francis, dating to around 1272, was part of a series of apostle and saint panels likely created for a church in Umbria. The depiction of Peter with his traditional attribute of the keys reflects the standard iconographic program of Gothic Italian churches, where images of the apostles reinforced the authority and continuity of the Church. Now at the National Gallery of Umbria, the work contributes to our understanding of the Master's prolific output and the systematic approach of his workshop.

Painted in tempera on panel with gold leaf background, the figure of Saint Peter displays the Master's characteristic formal vocabulary: strong contour lines, broad simplified drapery, and an attentive facial expression. The gold ground and decorative elements of the halo reflect standard Duecento panel painting techniques.