Fragment of tapestry

This piece of tapestry has the following inscription: Comment Marcel et Epoleus bourgois de Romme ensevelirent saint Pierre. (How Marcel and Epoleus citizens of Rome, buried Saint Peter)

It reproduces the writing of the manuscripts of the Gothic era and relates to an episode of the life of Saint Peter. It refers to his burial by two inhabitants of Rome, Marcel and Apuleius, whose name is misspelled in the inscription. St Peter's Basilica in Rome is said to have been built over his tomb.

Around 1460, the cathedral of Saint Peter of Beauvais was given a set of tapestries for the choir commissioned by Bishop Guillaume de Hellande to be hung above the canon stalls on festive days. This tapestry depicts the life and miracles of Saint Peter. It had eleven pieces, many of which are still preserved today. The Musée de Cluny has the scene of Saint Peter delivered from Herod's prison. 

The inscription comes from the first scene of the 11th piece, which was still in one piece in 1855, but has since been taken apart.