male figure wearing a robe carved from brown-veined rock, seated on a red and cream stone plinth; head, hands and feet of gilt bronze; curly hair and beard; wearing cap; man holds scroll in PL hand and two keys in PR hand

The Ludovisi Saint Peter, 2nd century (marble body); c. 1590 (gilt bronze head, hands and feet; throne)

This sculpture originally represented a philosopher or a god, and was transformed into St. Peter in the late 16th century by adding the expressive head, hands, and feet in gilt bronze, and a throne. An unknown Roman sculptor carved it out of rare Greek cipollino ("onion-like") marble, using the layers of different colors to emphasize the forms and movement of the body. This prized masterpiece was part of the Ludovisi collection in Rome, where it had been displayed in the same room as Bernini's Pluto and Proserpina since 1623.

Details
Title
The Ludovisi Saint Peter
Artist Life
active 1573–1596
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2009.58
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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male figure wearing a robe carved from brown-veined rock, seated on a red and cream stone plinth; head, hands and feet of gilt bronze; curly hair and beard; wearing cap; man holds scroll in PL hand and two keys in PR hand