The artwork titled “Apostle Peter,” attributed to Orthodox Icons, dates back to approximately the 12th to 13th centuries, during the era of the Latin Empire of Constantinople, spanning from 1204 to 1261. This icon is categorized under the art movement characteristic of that historical period and belongs to a series dedicated to saints. Currently, it is housed within the Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection located in Washington, DC, United States.
The artwork portrays an iconic representation of the Apostle Peter, one of the most prominent figures in Christian history. With its deep golden background, the painting is rich in religious symbolism and is executed in the traditional style of Orthodox iconography. Peter is depicted with gray hair and a full beard, features that signify his wisdom and age. He is shown holding keys in his right hand, which are symbols of the authority given to him, according to the Christian tradition, to bind and loose on earth and in heaven. His left hand is raised in a gesture that might be seen as one of blessing or teaching.
The figure is clad in garments with the characteristic drapery often found in icons, with folds that give a sense of volume and movement to the clothing. The colors are muted yet resonate with symbolic meaning: the somber tones alluding to his humanity and the brighter highlights perhaps emphasizing his spiritual importance. The icon shows signs of wear, with visible craquelure across the surface that attests to its age and the veneration it has received over the centuries.
In keeping with the icon tradition, the artwork serves not just as a visual representation of Saint Peter but also as an object intended for veneration, meditation, and as a didactic tool for conveying the stories and teachings of Christianity to the faithful. The craftsmanship displayed in this piece mirrors the spiritual reverence and artistic dedication given to religious depictions during the time of its creation.
