Artworks
Surrounded by expert application of liquid gold, this miniature depicts a solemn St. Peter, the first Pope, seated on a throne with a large key in his right hand and presenting an open book with his left. The tiered tiara shows his papal dignity.
The miniature of St. Peter on his throne is characterised by soft modelling, graceful folding of draperies, and fine colours. This illustration of the 'rock on which Christ built his church' displays the most exquisite workmanship. The meticulous attention to detail in the folds and shadows of Peter’s robe, and in highlighting separate leaves of the trees, shows this master’s artistic talents.
A fine witness to the Mazarine Master’s ability, this portrait of St. Peter, conveys the artist’s sense and refinement. The Mazarine Master was one of the leading figures of Parisian manuscript illumination during the first two decades of the 15th century, along with the Boucicaut Master. Both artists had decisive influence on French illumination during a most resplendent period, and worked for the greatest collectors of their time, including the Duke of Berry. The Mazarine Master’s work in the Chester Beatty Hours dates to 1408, as we know from accompanying leaves. This miniature originally illustrated the Suffrage of St. Peter in a Book of Hours once in the famous collection of Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875-1968). However, he divided the book as he preferred to show several single leaves simultaneously.
The miniature leaf and the verso text page are surrounded by lavish, exquisitely painted borders, executed by a skilled craftsman working in the same context as the Mazarine Master. Such acanthus decoration first appears in Parisian manuscript illustration around 1385 but continued to be popular during the first decade of the 15th century.
Read more about this artwork in our Spotlight on our highlights for TEFAF Maastricht 2018, and in our Spotlight on miniatures.
See also this beautiful Book of Hours by the Mazarine Master.