Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"Crucifixion of St. Peter" by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio is a dramatic and powerful representation of the martyrdom of Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles and a central figure in early Christianity. The painting measures approximately 230 cm by 175 cm, making it life-size and overwhelmingly present.

The composition features four figures: St. Peter, and three Roman executioners. St. Peter is depicted upside down, as he was crucified head-downwards according to tradition, fulfilling his wish not to be crucified in the same manner as Christ. His weathered, muscular body is contorted in a desperate struggle, his head bowed and hands bound to the cross. His eyes are wide with a poignant mixture of pain, resignation, and resilience, deeply enhancing the emotional gravity of the scene.

The three executioners stand out with their brutal strength. Their faces lack distinct individuality, emphasizing their role as instruments of cruelty rather than as human beings with personal stories. One man heaves the base of the cross, another lifts it from behind, and the third pulls a rope to adjust its position. Their muscles strain, their expressions of determination contrasting sharply with the suffering Saint.

Caravaggio's use of chiaroscuro—the stark interplay of light and shadow—is masterful. The figures emerge dramatically from a dark, almost black background. A strong light source illuminates St. Peter's body and the tormenting action, creating highlights that emphasize his flesh, the wood of the cross, and the straining limbs of his executioners. This contrast heightens the visual tension and emotional intensity.

The setting is devoid of any contextual elements like a landscape or crowd, isolating the figures in their monumental struggle and drawing total focus to the raw human drama unfolding.

Location:
The original painting is housed in Santa Maria del Popolo, Rome, Italy. It is part of the Cerasi Chapel along with another Caravaggio masterpiece, "The Conversion of Saint Paul."

Artist's Background:
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610) was an Italian Baroque painter whose realistic observation of the human state, both physical and emotional, made him one of the most influential figures in the history of Western art. Known for his use of chiaroscuro, Caravaggio's works often depicted religious themes with a naturalism that was unprecedented.

Artistic Significance:
The "Crucifixion of St. Peter" is a significant work within Caravaggio's career for several reasons. Painted in 1600, it was created during the artist’s peak period when his reputation was flourishing in Rome. This painting is a fine example of his mature style, characterized by dramatic lighting, emotional realism, and dynamic composition.

Thematically, it fits into the broader context of Counter-Reformation art, which aimed to evoke an emotional and personal response in the viewer by depicting religious events in a profoundly human manner. Caravaggio's portrayal of saints as ordinary men, often with signs of wear and struggle, resonated deeply in a period marked by the Church’s need to affirm its spiritual authority and accessibility.

Noteworthy Details:
- Naturalism: Caravaggio's commitment to naturalism is evident in the intricately detailed human forms, capturing the texture of skin, the tautness of muscles under strain, and the emotional expressions of the characters.
- Symbolism and Composition: The upside-down crucifixion of St. Peter symbolizes humility and his deep reverence for Christ. The diagonal composition of the cross adds to the dynamic tension of the image.
- Emotional Depth: The painting's emotional intensity is heightened not just by Peter's expression and posture but also by the physicality of the executioners whose actions drive home the grim reality of his suffering.

In conclusion, Caravaggio's "Crucifixion of St. Peter" is an evocative masterpiece that captures the tragic heroism of Saint Peter with unparalleled realism and dramatic power. Its presence in Santa Maria del Popolo signifies a period of profound artistic achievement in Caravaggio's career and embodies the spiritual fervor of the Counter-Reformation era.