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The Denial of Saint Peter by Gerard Seghers Oil on Canvas XVI Cent.

Creator: Gerard Seghers
Offered by: Di Mano in Mano

Description
The scene depicts the dramatic episode (reported in all the Gospels) that occurred during the Passion of Christ, in which the apostle Peter, recognized by a woman in the Sanhedrin as a follower of Jesus, frightenedly denies this affiliation three times. The scene is immersed in a black background, against which the different figures stand out on different levels: in a skilful play of light and shadow produced by the only source of light - the candle held in the woman\\\'s hand -, the characters emerge with intensity different, to underline the differences of roles and the different emotional involvement. In particular, of the half-length figures, the face and hands emerge from the darkness, which become the tools for depicting the intensity of participation in the ongoing drama: the primary role is of the woman, of whom the candle reverberates with light. the face and the hand, stretched out to indicate Peter to underline the insistence of the accusation; the expression on his face is almost neutral, as if his questioning was moved by simple curiosity, without any implicit accusatory. To the right of the candle are also well lit the hands of Peter, which definitely express the negation and distancing from the woman; the face of the apostle, frightened, is projected backwards, he tries to escape from the light, as if to want to hide. In the background and more in the shadows, two soldiers, the one on the right in a suspicious and inquisitive attitude (the hand on Peter\\\'s shoulder to hold him back), the other in the center at least doubtful and questioning, and finally on the left in the dark, another simply curious spectator. The painting, previously subjected to restoration and relining, is presented in a 19th century gilded frame.

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	Italy
Period:	Pre 18th Century
Creation Date:	1600s
Styles / Movements:	Other
Dealer Reference #:	ARARPI0081975
Incollect Reference #:	513977