The story of how St Peter denied being a follower of Christ is found in all four gospels, but this particular scene is based on St Luke’s account (cf Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; John 18:15-27). After Christ had been arrested and taken to the high priest’s palace, St Peter followed along and lingered in the courtyard, warming himself by a fire that had been lit. Several people in the palace recognised him as one of the disciples and questioned him about it, leading him to deny knowing Christ three times.

After the third time, a cock crew (see top right of the image) – as Christ had previously predicted (Luke 22:31-34). In this rather poignant window, Christ is shown turning to look straight at St Peter in a penetrating way. This detail is only found in St Luke’s gospel. The servant girl shown speaking here was the first to question St Peter. The scene is one of a series in the West Window of St Peter and Paul, Ilford, which vividly illustrate the lives of both St Peter and St Paul. It was created in 1926 by the stained glass artist A.A. Orr.

See the full image:

Where to find this work of art
St Peter and St Paul, Ilford

Read the relevant passage
Luke 22:54-62

• Gospels
• Gothic Revival
• New Testament