Martyrdom of St. Peter
1550
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1550
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Martyrdom of St. Peter is a 1550 by Michele Greco Lucchese, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This print shows a chaotic crowd around a man lying on the ground, his arms stretched out. Others are dragging him, some hold weapons, and a few look on. The scene is dark, with deep shadows and a dramatic sky above. The man on the ground is likely the central figure—his pose suggests suffering. The artist used sharp lines and heavy shading to make the action feel urgent. Look up chiaroscuro to see how this technique creates drama with light and shadow.
