Italian school; late eighteenth century. "St.... Lot 41

Italian school; late eighteenth century. "St. Peter penitent". Oil on canvas. Re-framed. It has a frame of the nineteenth century, with slight flaws. Size: 91 x 72 cm; 104 x 85 cm (frame). In this work the author uses a warm light that extends on the ochre tonalities of the scene, which are contrasted with the intense blue of the saint's clothes. With a long bust, the main character intertwines his hands, which he rests on a table, directing his gaze towards the sky in an attitude of penitence. The presence of the keys indicates that this is the representation of St. Peter (Bethsaida, c. 1 BC - Rome, 67) was, according to the New Testament, a fisherman, known to be one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. The Catholic Church identifies him through the apostolic succession as the first Pope, based, among other arguments, on the words addressed to him by Jesus: "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the power of Death shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." St. Peter could be said to have been Jesus' confessor, his closest disciple, both being united by a very special bond, as narrated in both the canonical and apocryphal Gospels. This canvas depicts St. Peter in the act of penance, in the foreground, strongly illuminated on a dark and neutral background, which enhances his corporeality while helping to focus attention on the figure. St. Peter is weeping. The artist resolves the composition by paying special attention to the play of light and shadow, as well as the use of a balanced palette that stands out for the vivid colors used, especially the blue, as already mentioned, typical of the Saint's clothing.