Artwork
St Peter
St Peter is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Simon de Vos. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
Overview
St Peter is a 17th-century painting on copper by Simon de Vos, a Flemish artist trained in Antwerp. The work is now held in the State Hermitage Museum.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Saint Peter, recognizable by the keys he holds, sitting on the ground with an open book beside him. A rooster perches on a nearby rock, referencing the biblical story of Peter's betrayal of Jesus.
Technique & Style
The work employs chiaroscuro, a technique using strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of depth. The earthy color palette and dramatic lighting are characteristic of the Flemish Baroque style, influenced by artists such as Rubens and van Dyck.
History & Provenance
Created around 1630, St Peter is a product of Simon de Vos's mature period, after he transitioned from genre scenes to larger history paintings.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Simon de Vos (20 October 1603 – 15 October 1676) was a Flemish painter, draughtsman and art collector.
