Plaque with Saint Peter

Plaque with Saint Peter

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The typical image of Saint Peter—with a round face, short hair, and a beard—was established during the first centuries of the Christian church. Here Peter stands holding a cross and gesturing as if preaching. At his waist are the keys to the kingdom of heaven, given to him by Christ (Matthew 16:19). The arch flanked by peacocks under which Peter stands is considered a representation of paradise in early Christian art.

Medieval Art and The Cloisters

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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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.