ITALIAN SCHOOL (XVII-XVIII)
$12,500.00Price
“Saint Peter” (c.1650)
Oil on panel
28 x 26cm
Unsigned
*private collection, South Africa
An early 17th century Italian Baroque depiction of Saint Peter, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, and the first leader of the early Church. The work can be dated to the first half of the 17th century by the original Baroque frame. According to Christian tradition, Peter was crucified in Rome under Emperor Nero. He is traditionally counted as the first Bishop of Rome—or pope—and also by Eastern Christian tradition as the first Patriarch of Antioch. The ancient Christian churches all venerate Peter as a major saint and as the founder of the Church of Antioch and the Roman Church.