Vatican Museums

The group of reliefs displayed here constitutes the remnant of the valuable frontlet in engraved, gilded and enamelled copper donated by Pope Innocent III to the Chapel of the Confession of St. Peter’s Basilica, in connection with the renovation work carried out in the presbytery of Constantine’s Basilica (1209-12). Under the altar in the centre of the presbytery, which dates back to the time of Callistus II (1119-1124), behind a grate protecting the Nicchia dei Palli, an antependium with doors presents the figures of the Twelve Apostles, arranged in two rows on each side of Christ, twice the size of the others. The Redeemer, seated on a throne with a crown on his head, raises his right hand in a gesture of blessing, and holds the Gospel in the left; the Apostles, reduced to the number of five, also all hold a book in their hands, but are not otherwise individually defined, with the exception of St. Peter and St. Paul, who are easily recognizable by their attributes. Both the champlevé technique of the enamels and their formal characteristics indicate the production style of the Limoges workers, famous throughout Europe for the refinement of their work.