Saint Peter from Griffoni Altarpiece Francesco del Cossa (1436-1478)

The composition presents a male figure in a three-quarter pose, centrally positioned against a landscape backdrop. He is depicted as an elderly man with a full white beard and receding hairline, his gaze directed towards the viewer with a solemn expression. A halo encircles his head, signifying sanctity.
He wears a dark tunic beneath a flowing, ochre-colored cloak that drapes dramatically over his body, creating a sense of volume and movement. The folds of the fabric are rendered with meticulous detail, highlighting the artist’s skill in depicting texture and light. In his left hand, he holds an open book, suggesting scholarship or divine revelation. His right hand rests upon a staff topped with a cross, a common attribute signifying authority and pilgrimage. A rosary hangs from his neck, further emphasizing his religious devotion.
The background reveals a distant cityscape nestled within a rolling landscape. Architectural elements – arches, towers, and walls – are visible, suggesting an urban setting or perhaps a symbolic representation of the Holy City. The perspective is somewhat flattened, typical of early Renaissance painting, which contributes to the overall formality of the scene.
Subtleties in the figure’s posture and expression convey a sense of quiet dignity and spiritual strength. His stance suggests both groundedness and readiness for action. The lighting emphasizes his face and hands, drawing attention to these key areas of symbolic meaning. The muted color palette – dominated by earth tones with accents of gold and red – reinforces the paintings solemn and reverent tone.
The overall effect is one of restrained grandeur, conveying a sense of piety and authority appropriate for a figure of religious significance.