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Apostle Peter (Pierre, Piero, Pedro, Piet)
"You are Simon, son of Jonas, you will be
called Kephas” (meaning Rock) Jesus says to him when his brother Andreas brought him to Jesus. (Mark 1,16; John 1, 38-42).
Representations usually show the calling at
the sea of Galilee. After the confession of Caesarea, his name is again confirmed. “On this rock I will build my community”. (Matthew 16,18). After his
confession, he is given the keys of the kingdom of heaven. He is shown again in the depiction of the washing of feet, at Christ’s capture in Jerusalem, and at the
denial. He is told: “feed my lambs”. So he proceeds to Rome, where he meets the apostle Paul. However, Emperor Nero has them both locked up. Later Nero has
him crucified in the Circus in Rome. Many legends of Peter exist. In representations he is usually shown with round head, whiskers and wreath of curls. Not until about
1160 is he portrayed as pope. His insignia are two keys, cross staff or hand cross, occasionally Bible or scroll, and with a cock.
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