Saint Peter
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Saint Peter , Relic , Papal commission , Procession
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Abstract
This life-sized bronze statue of Saint Peter seated on a white marble throne is one of the most venerated sculptures in Saint Peter’s in the Vatican. The apostle is shown blessing with his right hand and holding the keys to heaven in his left. His right foot extends outward, visibly worn smooth from centuries of pilgrims who have touched and kissed it. On June 29, the Feast of St. Peter, the statue is ceremonially dressed in papal vestments and a tiara, heightening its lifelike presence.
The statue’s finely curled beard and hair echo antique styles, while the deep bronze patina enhances its sculptural depth. A richly patterned mosaic backdrop, resembling brocade, was added in the nineteenth century to further elevate the image of the Church’s first pope. Although long thought to be from the fifth century, the sculpture is dated to c.1300 and has been previously attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio (1245-1302) by some scholars.
Photograph(s) licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Description
Saint Peter's, Vatican City
Citation
“Statue of St. Peter,” St. Peter’s Basilica Info, https://stpetersbasilica.info/Statues/StPeter/StPeter.htm.