Saint Pierre

Cecco di Pietro was a Pisan painter active in the second half of the fourteenth century, whose work represents the distinctive local tradition of Pisa, which drew on both Florentine and Sienese influences while maintaining its own character. This image of Saint Peter (Saint Pierre) honors the apostolic prince whose authority underpinned the entire structure of the Western Church, making him one of the most universally depicted saints in Gothic art. The panel likely formed part of a polyptych altarpiece from a Pisan church.

Executed in egg tempera on gold-ground panel, the figure of Saint Peter follows established iconographic conventions with the apostle holding his attribute of the keys. Cecco di Pietro's painting style reflects the Pisan school's blend of Florentine volumetric modeling with Sienese decorative refinement and rich color.