Duccio's Maesta

Rear view
Central panel: the Passion

9: St. Peter's first denial of Jesus

    Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not. And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.   (John 18 v 17 - 18)

Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech betrayeth thee. 
    Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. (Matthew 26 v 67 - 75)

Note: Both John and Matthew dramatically parallel the events inside (the interrogation of Jesus) with the events outside (The denial by Peter). Duccio animates and links these scenes by placing the panel of Peter directly underneath the interrogation by Annas, and next to the interrogation by Caiphas; in that panel we see Peter looking in from outside the door.  Head up the stairs and Peter is still there - along with the accusing woman and the cock about to crow. 

       
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