Zoppo represents St. Peter as more man than angel. His
curls are painted in the traditional style of an icon, but his brow is furrowed
and his eyes gaze expectantly out of the frame. The aged background, with its
cracked gold color, seems to fit the saint himself, despite not being part of
the artist’s original vision.
The keys, too, fit this portrayal. Though they are
usually depicted as delicately golden and silver, here they rest in St. Peter’s hands, as
heavy and dark as manacles. This image reminds the viewer that St. Peter’s
office was as much a burden and a danger as it was a blessing and an honor.
“I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.
Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on
earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Matthew 16:19
