Who painted Saint Peter?

Saint Peter was painted by German 15th Century in 1485.

Where can I see Saint Peter?

Saint Peter is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Saint Peter?

Saint Peter is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Saint Peter

German 15th Century , 1485

Saint Peter is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1485 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Saint Peter is a hand-colored woodcut print depicting the saint in a long, warm-hued robe, set against a soft blue background. Iconic attributes include a key in his right hand and a book in his left, encircled by a halo.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Saint Peter, is identifiable through the key, symbolizing his role as the 'Gatekeeper of Heaven.' The book represents his spiritual authority and teachings. The composition conveys reverence and emphasis on his sacred responsibilities.

Technique & Style

The work combines woodcut with meticulous hand-coloring, utilizing a palette dominated by orange-red lake, green, yellow, blue, gold, and orange. This technique imparts a textured, depthful quality, while precise rendering of details achieves a realistic effect.

Context

Created using traditional woodcut methods, this piece reflects the artist's blend of medieval symbolism with emerging printmaking sophistication, characteristic of its time.

Legacy

As a detailed, hand-colored woodcut, Saint Peter exemplifies the artistic and technical achievements of its period, offering insights into the devotional and aesthetic values of the era.