Artwork
St Peter Walking on the Water
St Peter Walking on the Water is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Alessandro Allori. It dates from 1596 and is held in the collection of the Uffizi Gallery.
About this work
Overview
Alessandro Allori’s oil painting *St Peter Walking on the Water* was executed in 1596. The work shows the biblical episode in which the apostle Peter steps onto the sea to approach Christ, who stands on the water’s surface. The composition is anchored by a darkened sky and a distant boat, while the foreground figures are rendered in striking blues and reds.
Subject & Meaning
The scene captures the moment of Peter’s tentative advance toward Jesus, emphasizing both faith and doubt. Peter’s outstretched hand and the calm gesture of Christ create a visual dialogue that underscores the theological theme of divine assistance amid human uncertainty.
Technique & Style
Allori employs the elongated proportions and refined elegance typical of late Florentine Mannerism. The figures are painted with vivid coloration; Peter’s deep‑blue robe and Christ’s warm red garment contrast against the muted background. Subtle chiaroscuro models the bodies, while the composition’s diagonal thrust conveys movement and tension.
History & Provenance
The canvas entered the Uffizi Gallery’s collection, where it remains on display. As a product of Allori’s mature period, the painting reflects his position within the Florentine school and contributes to the museum’s holdings of late‑16th‑century religious art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alessandro di Cristofano di Lorenzo del Bronzino Allori (Florence, 31 May 1535 – 22 September 1607) was an Italian painter of the late Mannerist Florentine school.
