saint peter

MATTIA PRETI (1613 – 1699)

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MATTIA PRETI The Martyrdom of Saint Peter Naples, the late 1650s Oil on canvas 194.5 x 194.3 cm According to tradition, Saint Peter, Christ’s closest disciple and the first pope, chose to be crucified upside down to avoid comparison with his master.  Here, the two executioners, shown with brutal realism, heave the cross upwards.  One … Read more

VALERIO CASTELLO (1624 – 1659)

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The Madonna and Child, with Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Appearing to Saint Bruno in a Vision Genoa, about 1650 Oil on canvas 118 x 145.5 cm Saint Bruno (about 1030 – 1101) is shown in the white habit of the Carthusian monks whose order he founded. In his vision he sees the Virgin and … Read more