Focus on Saint Peter (Grão Vasco) and explore the Description.
Saint Peter is at the centre of the symmetrical composition, sitting on an ornate Italianate pontifical throne making the blessing gesture toward the viewer, in full Papal regalia: the ample cope, of rich red brocade, features finely woven ornamental motifs in gold thread and medallions with angels holding the Instruments of the Passion, pearls and precious stones; the papal tiara features three intricately-decorated gold circlets with arabesque patterns of interlacing foliage; the pontifical gloves are white and the Ring of the Fisherman is visible, set with a dark green gem. On his left hand, in place of a crosier, Peter holds an elongated golden key, in reference to the Keys of Heaven, an attribute of this saint and a symbol of papal authority. The top of the throne features some Manueline decorative elements (like the vegetalist details at the top), as well as some pagan elements such as the carved putti and grotesques that hold the papal arms as well as the brocade canopy over the seat.On either side of the throne, two arches open to distant views of two episodes of Saint Peter's life: on the left, the Gospel narrative of Jesus Christ calling Peter and Andrew to become his disciples; on the right, the Quo vadis? from the apocryphal Acts of Peter, as the risen Jesus appears to him just before his martyrdom.The painting, as an altarpiece, also features a predella underneath it; it has three smaller paintings depicting Saint John the Evangelist and Saint Andrew, Saint Bartholomew and Saint Jude, and Saint Paul and Saint James.
Saint Jude Acts of Peter Jesus arabesque cope Saint Peter painting papal tiara Italianate right putti Keys of Heaven Manueline Gospel papal authority canopy altarpiece predella Ring of the Fisherman John the Evangelist Andrew Papal regalia grotesques Saint John the Evangelist risen crosier Saint Bartholomew Quo vadis? pontifical gloves gold thread martyr brocade Jesus Christ his disciples Saint Andrew Instruments of the Passion Saint Paul left Peter blessing Saint James