Relief of Saint Peter

myminifactory

The relief comes together with A.3-1990 from the Augustinian priory at Ivychurch in Wiltshire. Their exact use is unclear: Zarnecki suggests that the works may have formed part of a screen or been placed on cloister piers, while Williamson proposes that they may have adorned the abbey façade. The reliefs were later inserted into the wall of Ivychurch House, successor to the priory after its dissolution. St Peter bears his attributes as a bishop: the pallium worn around the neck and the mitre. The pallium was bestowed by the pope; the crosier represents pastoral responsibility; the keys signify that entrance to Heaven relies on church obedience. This figure probably came from a screen in the Augustinian priory at Ivychurch, Wiltshire. Peter became leader of the twelve Apostles and was closest to Christ. When paired with Saint Paul as this figure is at Ivychurch Priory, the two represent the church pillars. Gallery location: Medieval & Renaissance Room 8, The William and Eileen Ruddock Gallery, case WS Courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London