About 1497. About 1497.

Copy

Saint Peter or Peter the Apostle is depicted full-length; he is dressed in a dark blue robe and a golden yellow himation. The palm of his right hand is open. In his left hand, he is holding a golden key and a fan-shaped open scroll. Saint Peter or Peter the Apostle is depicted full-length; he is dressed in a dark blue robe and a golden yellow himation. The palm of his right hand is open. In his left hand, he is holding a golden key and a fan-shaped open scroll.

Saint Peter was one of the twelve Apostles in the New Testament. His original name was Simon. He was called by Jesus Christ to be an Apostle together with his brother Andrew. He was later given the name Cephas meaning ‘rock’ or ‘stone’. Peter was destined to become the founder of the Church of Christ and was given the key of paradise.

Peter denied Christ three times during the Last Supper. After the death of Jesus Christ, he became a preacher. Peter was caught up in Rome and put to death together with Paul the Apostle. He is traditionally counted as the first Bishop of Rome. 

The icon was restored by G.Z. Bykova in the All-Union Research Institute for Restoration in 1974.