Denial of Saint Peter
by VALENTIN DE BOULOGNE, Oil on canvas, 172 x 241 cm
While trying, inconspicuously, to warm his hands, the apostle Peter is recognized as a disciple of Christ. The assorted company of soldiers take notice—in varying degrees. Peter’s fate has changed as though with the throw of dice, depicted mid-air! The sculpted relief is based on Roman terracotta plaques, casts of which were collected and used as artists’ props.
This painting is clearly inspired by Ribera’s Denial of Saint Peter.