Saint Peter as the First Pope

Saint Peter as the First Pope

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Indentified by his papal tiara, the apostle Peter wears an ornately decorated ecclesiastical vestment (chasuble). The keys signifying his role as guardian of the gates to Heaven, which were given to him by Christ, are missing. The inscription indicates that the sculpture was commissioned by Bernat Pere, chaplain at the cathedral, who died in 1348.

Medieval Art and The Cloisters

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Saint Peter as the First PopeSaint Peter as the First PopeSaint Peter as the First PopeSaint Peter as the First PopeSaint Peter as the First Pope

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world. Displayed in both The Met Fifth Avenue and in the Museum's branch in northern Manhattan, The Met Cloisters, the collection encompasses the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome in the fourth century to the beginning of the Renaissance in the early sixteenth century. It also includes pre-medieval European works of art created during the Bronze Age and early Iron Age.