#IBmakingart

The Denial of Saint Peter

Artist: Caravaggio

Date: 1610
Medium: Oil on canvas

Size: 37 x 49 3/8 in. 

Classification: Painting

Stylistic Context: The painting was created by Caravaggio in Italy during the early seventeenth century. The painting, created during the era of an expansion of the arts known as The Renaissance, displays a biblical scene. The period in which this piece was painted was also marked by the constantly changing religious denomination of the countries in Europe. 

Subject: The image displays three individuals: a Roman guard, a peasant woman, and Peter. The painting portrays a biblical scene in which Peter, a disciple of Jesus Christ, denies having any ties to Jesus. Peter is the only individual of the three who is entirely bathed in light. This automatically brings one's eye to Peter, as he is clearly meant to be the focal point of the painting. This idea is further established by the three hands pointing at Peter, as they automatically direct attention towards Peter. The title of the painting concludes the notion that Peter is the focus of the work, as it is called "The Denial of Saint Peter". 

Style: The author's attention to facial expression is effective in the painting's overall goal of portraying the fear that accompanies the telling of a lie. Peter's concern at being caught in his lie is reflected through the wrinkles on his forehead and between his eyebrows, as well as the frown on his face. The panic is evident on Peter's face, for it appears as though he's waiting to see whether or not his lie is accepted by the other two individuals. In addition to the portrayal of Peter's fear, the author's inclusion of shadows is a major contributor to the overall theme of exposure. The significance of Peter's position in the light is the reality that his action- the denial of knowing Jesus- is not concealed as he wishes it would be. This message is reinforced by the expressions on the faces of the accusers. The woman and the guard are clearly in communication with their eyes, an interaction which excludes Peter. This interaction reflects the idea that Peter's denial is not convincing, and ultimately the message that the truth cannot be hidden. By painting Peter as the only individual not covered by a shadow, the author conveys a message of the truth literally coming to light. 

Significance/Function/Purpose: The painting conveys religious values because it signifies that one's actions cannot be hidden from a knowing God. The author's decision to bathe Peter in light is a symbol that his denials are not concealed from God from as he wishes. Though he may be able to deceive the woman and the guard, he cannot deceive an all-knowing divine being. The painting is reflective of the religious changes occurring throughout Europe, as its portrayal of deception suggests a criticism of the church at the time. The author may have decided to paint this biblical scene in particular because they felt that it was comparative to a dishonest religious power at the time of its creation. The painting is still significant today because the main themes- deception and exposure- are as relevant today as they were in the seventeenth century. Humans still try to lie their way out of persecution whether or not it's to the extent of life-or-death stakes.