Artwork

The Death of Saint Peter Martyr

The Death of Saint Peter Martyr, by John Baptist Jackson, ink, 1739
The Death of Saint Peter Martyr, by John Baptist Jackson, ink, 1739

The Death of Saint Peter Martyr is an ink print by the Baroque artist John Baptist Jackson. It dates from 1739 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Death of Saint Peter Martyr is a chiaroscuro woodcut print created by John Baptist Jackson in 1739. It is a trial proof in black, showcasing the artist's experimental approach to the medium.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a dramatic scene of a robed figure, Saint Peter Martyr, lying on the ground, surrounded by trees and rocky terrain. The contrast between light and dark creates a sense of movement and intensity, evoking the martyr's violent death.

Technique & Style

Jackson employed chiaroscuro, a technique characterized by strong contrasts between light and dark, to achieve depth and drama. The use of subtle overprinting and embossing adds to the print's tonal variation and texture, reflecting Jackson's innovative approach to woodcut printing.

History & Provenance

John Baptist Jackson, a British printmaker, was active in Paris and Venice during the eighteenth century. He specialized in prints derived from oil paintings, and this work exemplifies his expertise in translating painterly effects into the medium of woodcut.

Artist & collection

Portrait of John Baptist Jackson

Artist

John Baptist Jackson

John Baptist Jackson (1701–1780) was a British artist, a woodcut printmaker of the eighteenth century.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.