Not currently on display at the V&A

St Peter

Panel
15th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

St Peter, standing beneath a canopy holds a scroll in his left hand and a key in his right hand. He wears a long gown gathered at the waist.

Saints are the heroes and heroines of Christian faith. In the 14th and 15th centuries, they were a popular subject for alabaster carvings. Religious themes penetrated private life, so devotional images of saints were sculpted not only for church interiors, but also for individuals to contemplate within the privacy of their homes.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleSt Peter (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Carved and painted alabaster
Brief description
Alabaster panel depicting St Peter. English, 15th century.
Physical description
This small panel shows the bearded figure of the saint standing beneath a canopy which is an integral part of the panel. He holds a scroll in his left hand which runs from his eye level down to his feet, and his emblem, a key, in his right hand. He wears a long gown, gathered at the waist.

Most of the canopy is missing. The key is chipped. No paint remains on the panel, except for traces of green at the bottom. The back of the panel bears three holes, one plugged with lead.
Dimensions
  • Height: 23.5cm
  • Width: 5.9cm
From Cheetham, English Medieval Alabasters, 1984.
Style
Credit line
Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA
Object history
On loan from Dr W.L. Hildburgh to the Museum since 1931. Given by W. L. Hildburgh, 1946.
Subjects depicted
Summary
St Peter, standing beneath a canopy holds a scroll in his left hand and a key in his right hand. He wears a long gown gathered at the waist.

Saints are the heroes and heroines of Christian faith. In the 14th and 15th centuries, they were a popular subject for alabaster carvings. Religious themes penetrated private life, so devotional images of saints were sculpted not only for church interiors, but also for individuals to contemplate within the privacy of their homes.
Bibliographic reference
Cheetham, Francis. English Medieval Alabasters. Oxford: Phaidon-Christie's Limited, 1984. p. 141 (cat. 70), ill. ISBN 0-7148-8014-0
Collection
Accession number
A.182-1946

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdNovember 27, 2002
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest