Bidspirit auction | 17TH CENTURY ITALIAN SCHOOL, CIRCLE

17TH CENTURY ITALIAN SCHOOL, CIRCLE OF CARAVAGGIO - Crucifixion of Saint Peter - Oil on copper. Dimensions: 24 × 18 cm. The work depicts the Crucifixion of Saint Peter, an episode in the apostle's martyrdom recounted by Christian tradition, according to which Peter asked to be crucified upside down, considering himself unworthy to die in the same manner as Christ. The scene closely follows the celebrated model painted by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio around 1601 for the Cerasi Chapel in the church of Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome, one of the most influential compositions of Baroque naturalism. This painting is an interpretation on copper of that famous Caravaggesque prototype, a technique highly valued in the 17th century for the fineness of the support and the chromatic intensity it allowed. The composition retains the characteristic drama of the original, with the figure of Saint Peter being lifted up by the executioners in a scene marked by strong contrasts of light and shadow, an essential resource of the pictorial language developed by Caravaggio and widely disseminated by his followers. Lot in international warehouse (within the EU). Intra-community shipment: no import duties apply within the EU. An export permit from the country of origin may be required.