Artwork
Der reuige Petrus
Der reuige Petrus is an unspecified painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Johann Ulrich Loth. It dates from 1646 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1646, this religious work by Johann Ulrich Loth portrays a contemplative elderly figure seated before a modest table. The composition is dominated by a dark backdrop illuminated by a warm, focused light that highlights the man's face, hands, and the objects before him, establishing a solemn atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure, an aged man with a long white beard, appears engaged in prayer, his hands clasped and eyes lowered. An open book, spectacles, and a rooster lie on the table, symbols traditionally associated with Saint Peter and the themes of wisdom, vigilance, and repentance.
Technique & Style
Loth employs chiaroscuro, using stark contrasts between deep shadows and a narrow beam of light to draw the viewer’s eye to the facial expression and the illuminated objects. The soft, light-colored robe and the subtle modeling of flesh demonstrate a careful handling of tonal gradations typical of mid‑17th‑century Baroque painting.
History & Provenance
The painting, catalogued as Q29897407, entered the collection of the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, where it remains on display. Its provenance prior to acquisition by the museum is not extensively documented, but the work is recognized as part of Loth’s output during his productive period in the mid‑1600s.
Artist & collection
