This painting is part of an altarpiece, the main panel of which depicts The Virgin and Child. This section shows Saint Peter; other parts of the altarpiece show Saints Philip, John the Evangelist and John the Baptist. Peter was a fisherman when Jesus invited him to join him and become a \'fisher of men\'. He was originally called Simon but Jesus changed his name to Peter, meaning \'rock\', to signify that he was the founder of the church. Peter was one of the first apostles to perform baptisms and miracles and is seen here holding the keys to Heaven.