Crucifixion of Saint Peter
HUM 2230
13 February 2014
Carvaggio The Crucifixion of Saint Peter
Baroque style paintings were derived in Italy and illustrate complex and loud features exemplifying asymmetric compositions, strong distinctions between light and dark while showing dramatic effects. The term Baroque is originated from the Porteguese word baracco, which expresses the meaning irregularly shaped pearls (46). Carvaggio intensified the Baroque style in his painting The Crucifixion of Saint Peter in quite a few details. Peter was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus and assigned a leadership role to spread the word as he witnessed several of Jesus’ miracles. During the crucifixion of Saint Peter, he requested that he be hung upside down because he was unworthy of being crucified in the same manner as Jesus. This Baroque style painting shows the misery and pain that is being inflicted upon him in an extremely dramatized approach. The image shows the elements very large and closely illustrated. Baroque artists make an effort to enhance the articulateness of religious topics and hope that in these types of paintings, they can provide viewers the sense of participating in the action. The men in the far of the picture are dark and shadowy and where the intense action is being depicted, it is shown much brighter and vivid. The light is flowing on the main subject of Carvaggio’s painting in an in the moment, realistic effect. The message that is being McKinney 2 presented in this painting is very clear in the Baroque style. Carvaggio visualizes the information in a pin wheel effect that illustrated the great deal of suffering and anguish that Saint Peter was enduring (48). The large nails that are being imbedded in his hand and feet are clearly pronounced. The gentleman that is kneeling down is exposing the use of all of his strength, lifting Saint Peter and the heavy cross that he has been nailed to with the bottom of his feet
13 February 2014
Carvaggio The Crucifixion of Saint Peter
Baroque style paintings were derived in Italy and illustrate complex and loud features exemplifying asymmetric compositions, strong distinctions between light and dark while showing dramatic effects. The term Baroque is originated from the Porteguese word baracco, which expresses the meaning irregularly shaped pearls (46). Carvaggio intensified the Baroque style in his painting The Crucifixion of Saint Peter in quite a few details. Peter was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus and assigned a leadership role to spread the word as he witnessed several of Jesus’ miracles. During the crucifixion of Saint Peter, he requested that he be hung upside down because he was unworthy of being crucified in the same manner as Jesus. This Baroque style painting shows the misery and pain that is being inflicted upon him in an extremely dramatized approach. The image shows the elements very large and closely illustrated. Baroque artists make an effort to enhance the articulateness of religious topics and hope that in these types of paintings, they can provide viewers the sense of participating in the action. The men in the far of the picture are dark and shadowy and where the intense action is being depicted, it is shown much brighter and vivid. The light is flowing on the main subject of Carvaggio’s painting in an in the moment, realistic effect. The message that is being McKinney 2 presented in this painting is very clear in the Baroque style. Carvaggio visualizes the information in a pin wheel effect that illustrated the great deal of suffering and anguish that Saint Peter was enduring (48). The large nails that are being imbedded in his hand and feet are clearly pronounced. The gentleman that is kneeling down is exposing the use of all of his strength, lifting Saint Peter and the heavy cross that he has been nailed to with the bottom of his feet
Cited: Fiero, Gloria K. The Humanistic Tradition; The Early Modern World to the Present. Vol. 2. 6th ed. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2011. Print