The Denial of Peter c. 1455 - 1465

This image, The Denial of Peter, was created by an anonymous artist, its date unknown. It presents a pivotal moment from the Gospels, laden with themes of faith, betrayal, and redemption. Made in the medieval period, likely for private devotion, this work reflects the visual codes of its time, where iconography and symbolism were used to convey theological messages to a largely illiterate audience. The haloed figures, the architectural setting, and the presence of the rooster—a key detail signifying Peter’s denial—are all conventions of Christian art that carry specific meanings, and resonate with the historical context. Understanding this work requires a careful study of medieval religious practices and visual culture, using resources such as illuminated manuscripts, theological treatises, and social histories. This enables us to appreciate the artwork not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its role in shaping religious and social identities. The meaning of art is thus contingent on its social and institutional context, which the historian helps to illuminate.