ALTARPIECE OF SAINT PETER

ICONOGRAPHY 

The altarpiece narrates two parallel cycles: the lower section illustrates scenes from the life of the saint to whom the altarpiece is dedicated starting on the right with the scene of the Vocation of the Apostles, the moment when Saint Peter decides to follow in the footsteps of Christ, and continuing on the left with his Crucifixion, the maximum expression of devotion felt for his Saviour since Peter decides to suffer the same martyrdom as his Master. Saint Peter's  cross, however, is an inverted one, signifying humility. Narration on this level ends in the centre with the figure of St. Peter sitting on a throne and flanked by two angels as he proclaims his authority as leader of the church.

The Passion of Christ occupies the upper section and includes the Road to Calvary, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection, all themes related to the Mass of St. Gregory on the predella, the scene illustrating the miraculous apparition when Saint Peter confirmed his faith in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.

The owners of the chapel obviously felt particular devotion to St. John the Baptist, St. Andrew, St. Paul and St. Catherine of Alexandria and their free-standing figures complete the narration on the altarpiece.