Artwork
Saint Peter
Saint Peter is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Juan de Juanes. It dates from 1536 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Overview
This oil painting, titled 'Saint Peter', is the work of Juan de Juanes, a prominent artist of the Valencian school during the Spanish Renaissance.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a bearded man, identified as Saint Peter, standing against a gold background. He holds a small wooden box and gestures with his other hand, conveying a sense of reverence or devotion.
Technique & Style
The artist's use of smooth paint and soft shadows creates a sense of depth and volume, characteristic of the Mannerist style. The contrast between light and dark areas, known as chiaroscuro, adds to the figure's three-dimensional appearance.
History & Provenance
Created in 1536, 'Saint Peter' is now part of the Museo del Prado's collection, indicating its significance in the history of Spanish art.
Context
The gold background and the subject's serious expression are typical of devotional images intended for churches or personal worship spaces.
Artist & collection
Artist
Vicente Juan Masip (also known as Joan de Joanes) (1507 – 1579) was a Spanish painter of the Renaissance period.
