Saint Peter 1336 - 1370

Saint Peter was created in the mid-14th century by a follower of Lippo Memmi. The Sienese painter used tempera and gold leaf on a wood panel. Paintings like this one were central to the religious life of the 14th century. Gold backgrounds weren’t just decoration, they were a visual cue, meant to evoke a divine, otherworldly space. The artist has depicted Saint Peter holding the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, thus emphasizing the power and authority of the Catholic Church. Yet, the soft, humanistic portrayal of his face, the gentle expression, allows for a more personal connection. Consider the role images like this played in shaping religious identity and reinforcing social hierarchies. How did these depictions affect the lived experiences and spiritual understanding of the people who viewed them? While adhering to traditional representation, the artist captures a sense of humanity in Saint Peter.