Plaque with Saints Peter and Paul

Unknown

late 14th–15th century · Steatite (black) · Medieval Art

Saints Peter and Paul appear on this steatite plaque holding their symbols, a cross and a book. The haloed saints, founding fathers of the Christian church, are celebrated together on June 29. Exquisitely carved steatites were popular in the Byzantine Empire from the twelfth to fifteenth centuries. This work is an outstanding example of the later period.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 14th–15th century

Medium

Steatite (black)

Culture

Byzantine

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian, 2020