Saint Peter Master of Cartellini

The composition presents a standing male figure set against a luminous golden background. The individual is depicted in profile, facing towards the right side of the frame. A halo encircles his head, signifying sanctity and divine connection. He is clad in flowing robes; a blue tunic beneath an ochre-colored cloak draped over one shoulder. The fabric drapes with considerable volume, suggesting a deliberate emphasis on materiality and texture.
In his left hand, he holds two keys, rendered in gold, which are emblematic of the authority granted to him by Christ – the power to bind and unbind, or access to the kingdom of heaven. His right hand supports an open book, its pages adorned with intricate detailing, possibly representing scripture or a record of teachings.
The figure’s facial features are characterized by a mature age; he possesses a full beard and hair streaked with grey. The expression is solemn, conveying dignity and perhaps a sense of quiet contemplation. Bare feet protrude from beneath the robes, grounding the figure in a tangible reality despite his elevated status.
Flanking the figure on either side are sparse arrangements of foliage, rendered in muted greens, which provide a subtle contrast to the dominant gold and ochre tones. The background itself is not entirely uniform; it exhibits variations in tone and texture, creating an impression of depth and luminosity.
The overall effect is one of reverence and solemnity. The artist’s choice of color palette – dominated by gold, blue, and earth tones – contributes to a sense of richness and spiritual significance. The deliberate positioning of the figure, his gestures, and the symbolic objects he holds all work together to convey an image of authority, wisdom, and divine grace.