Caravaggio's Crucifixion of St. Peter
David · The Crucifixion of Saint Peter Painted by Caravaggio in 1601 at the age of thirty, nine years before his death, The Crucifixion of Saint Peter is an example of classic Baroque art, and it is also classic Caravaggio. It’s one of my favourite paintings in Rome and I never tire talking about it. It’s so dramatic, so in your face, there’s certainly nothing subtle nor graceful, nor pious about this representation of St Peter, who is about to be crucified upside down. Upside down, because he did not consider himself worthy of being crucified the same way as Jesus Christ. He’s an old man, practically naked, very vulnerable. He’s already had his feet and hands nailed to the cross. Look at the bloodied nails. Despite the torturous pain, Peter is still straining, still making an effort, still resisting but his strength is waning. Perhaps in a moment he will lie back, give in and accept his fate. The realism in the scene is so striking. Peter’s wrinkled forehead; his weary eyes staring
