Peter
In Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” Peter is depicted with a protective posture, his right hand gripping a knife, and leaning towards John, underscoring his role as the leader of the apostles and later the early church. This portrayal aligns with the Gospel narratives, where Peter’s impulsive nature is evident, such as when he attempts to defend Jesus during the arrest in Gethsemane by cutting off a soldier’s ear (khanacademy.org).
Traditional iconography often depicts Peter with keys, symbolizing the authority granted to him by Jesus. This authority is reflected in his leadership within the early Christian community, where he presided over the appointment of St. Matthias as an apostle and delivered significant sermons, including the one at Pentecost.
Leonardo’s depiction captures Peter’s emotional reaction to Jesus’s announcement of betrayal, highlighting his protective instincts and foreshadowing his future role as a foundational figure in the church.
