Saint Peter

This panel comes from the same altarpiece as an image of Saint Mary Magdalene that’s also in our collection, and other panels are housed in collections around the world. This is Saint Peter, the apostle entrusted with the keys to the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 16: 19).The artist has taken great care to paint the keys. Different techniques help to create a three-dimensional effect: incised curved lines and cross-hatching makes the shaft of each key seem rounded, while the crossed end of the silver key is painted with black and white to give a sense of depth to the indentations. The saint’s striking blue eyes are painted with the expensive pigment ultramarine, as has his tunic.There is burn damage to the right of the book, probably caused by a candle placed on the altar below.