Artwork
Martire de St. Pierre (The Martyrdom of Saint Peter)
Martire de St. Pierre (The Martyrdom of Saint Peter) is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jean Barbault. It dates from 1754 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Martire de St.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower left in plate: Subleyras pinx.; lower right in plate: Barbault del. et sculp. Romae; lower center in plate: Martire de St. Pierre; by later hand, upper center verso in pen and ink: M.. Maggiori comprò a / Roma nel 1802 / quadro di M. Le Baily de la abass[not deciphered] / [not deciphered] di Malta a Roma
About this work
Overview
Martire de St. Pierre (The Martyrdom of Saint Peter) is an etching on laid paper created by Jean Barbault, a French artist active in Rome, around 1754.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a chaotic scene centered on a figure on the ground, surrounded by struggling people and angels holding wreaths. The title suggests a religious narrative of suffering, likely related to the martyrdom of Saint Peter.
Technique & Style
Barbault employed shading and lines to convey movement and tension. The use of etching allowed for detailed rendering of the scene, including the cityscape, bridge, and dramatic clouds.
Context
The work reflects Barbault's documented interest in Roman antiquities and local customs, as seen in his other etchings depicting traditional costumes and notable Roman monuments.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jean Barbault (c. 1718–1762) was a French painter, etcher and printmaker, who worked in Rome for most of his life. He is noted for paintings of local people, wearing traditional costumes or Oriental costumes and for his…
