St. Peter Silver Plaque in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, July 2007

Silver plaque with Saint Peter
Made 550-600

Accession # 50.5.1

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 often considered an early representation of paradise.

Text from the Metropolitan Museum of Art label.