A Constantinopolitan work of art, and one of the earliest depictions of the Apostle Peter holding keys and a scepter with a cross, standing in front of an apse, with busts of Christ, the Mother of God, and another young saint, most probably Saint John the Evangelist, over it. The use of different brush sizes and the particular execution of the encaustic technique draw the viewer’s gaze to the face of the Saint, full of peace, and at the same time intellectual strength. Different depiction styles are intentionally used, as the busts on either side of Christ are fully frontal, while Christ is painted in three-quarter view, signifying his presence in both worlds. Peter, of course, dominates the scene, and is presented as the prince of the apostles.
