Goa (Indo-Portuguese)
Polychromed wood
A decorative in the round wood sculpture of Saint Peter standing on an ovular base. Dressed in a long gold tunic with a black sash and a red cape covering the shoulders and part of the arms. His face is inexpressive and stoic, which bestows a certain majesty to the figure. His right hand would have held a stick, which is lacking. Saint Peter, also known as Peter the Apostle, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, and traditionally counted as the first Pope or bishop of Rome.
Small religious sculptures such as the present one were instrumental in the didactic role of the church. As many local converts were illiterate, religious iconography was important in conveying doctrine and meaning. The present Saint Peter was most likely sculpted by an indigenous artist working under commission from the church authorities or from a local patron motivated by devout feelings.
