St. Peter

Simone Martini's Saint Peter presents the first pope and prince of the apostles with the keys of the kingdom as his identifying attribute, depicted in Simone's characteristic synthesis of Byzantine gold tradition with Gothic linear refinement. Peter's importance as the foundation of the institutional Church — 'upon this rock I will build my Church' — gave his image particular theological weight in any altarpiece program. Simone's version gives the fisherman-turned-pope the aristocratic elegance that characterized his approach to all sacred figures, the coarse fisherman of Galilee transformed by Sienese refinement into a figure of luminous spiritual authority.

Painted in egg tempera on gold ground, the figure displays Simone's signature sinuous line and exquisite surface patterning. The saint's vestments are rendered with minute attention to textile detail, using punch-work in the gold and delicate glazes to suggest luxurious fabric.