Artwork
Saint Peter
Saint Peter is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Jusepe de Ribera. It dates from 1632 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The book likely refers to the epistles attributed to him in the New Testament, underscoring his role as an apostle and early Christian leader.
The painting depicts Saint Peter, identifiable by traditional attributes: a book and a key. The book likely refers to the epistles attributed to him in the New Testament, underscoring his role as an apostle and early Christian leader. The key symbolizes his authority as the gatekeeper of Heaven, a motif derived from Christ’s words in the Gospel of Matthew (16:19).
These elements collectively emphasize Peter’s spiritual authority and foundational position within Christian tradition. The inclusion of these attributes aligns with Counter-Reformation iconography, which sought to reinforce the primacy of Saint Peter and the Catholic Church during the 17th century.
Technique & Style
The painting is executed in oil on canvas, a common support for 17th-century Spanish religious works. Ribera employs a restrained, tenebrist handling, modulating light to emphasize the saint’s aged face and clasped book while suppressing extraneous detail. The composition’s stark realism and close focus on the subject align with his mature Caravaggisti style, grounding the figure in a palpable physical presence.
Subtle impasto in the beard and wrinkled skin suggests tactile observation, though overall execution remains controlled rather than textured.
No significant losses or restorations are recorded in the available sources.
History & Provenance
The painting depicting Saint Peter was created by Jusepe de Ribera in 1632. Executed in oil on canvas, the work measures 128 cm in height and 100 cm in width. Historical records indicate that the piece was owned by Ferdinand VII of Spain.
It is currently held in the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid, where it is cataloged under the inventory number P01072.
Saint Peter by Jusepe de Ribera is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid, housed within the Royal Palace of Madrid. The work is catalogued under the inventory designation P01072. It was formerly owned by Ferdinand VII of Spain before entering the museum's holdings.
No exhibition history is documented in the available sources.
Overview
Jusepe de Ribera’s oil painting Saint Peter was executed in 1632. The work presents a bearded figure in a yellow robe, holding a book and a key, attributes traditionally linked to the apostle. It is an example of early Italian Baroque painting and currently resides in the Museo del Prado in Madrid.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jusepe de Ribera (Valencian:; baptised 17 February 1591 – 3 November 1652) was a Spanish painter and printmaker.
