Spanish school of the 16th century. "Saint Peter". Carved, polychromed and stewed wood. Measurements: 32 cm (height). Sculpture worked in a rounded form. The apostle Saint Peter appears here recognizable by the Gospels and his short beard. His canon, slightly stylised, and his harmonious features, are inspired by somewhat late Renaissance models. Naturalism is sought in the expression and drapery. The treatment of the stew in her garments stands out. Saint Peter (Bethsaida, c. 1 BC - Rome, 67) was, according to the New Testament, a fisherman, known to be one of Jesus` twelve apostles. The Catholic Church identifies him through the apostolic succession as the first Pope, based among other things on Jesus` words to him: "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the power of Death shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven". St. Peter could be said to have been Jesus` confessor, his closest disciple, the two being united by a very special bond, as narrated in both the canonical and apocryphal Gospels.