Finding the bodies of Saints Peter and Paul (fragment) 1642 - 1652

Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione, better known as "Il Grechetto" for his masterful handling of the etching needle, created "Finding the bodies of Saints Peter and Paul (fragment)" between 1642 and 1652. This etching, a technique that uses acid to create lines on a metal plate, depicts the discovery of the bodies of the two saints, with a group of men holding torches to illuminate the scene. The dramatic chiaroscuro, contrast of light and dark, is typical of Castiglione's style and gives a sense of depth and immediacy to the scene. The fragment, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, offers a glimpse into the artist's technique and skill in capturing a dramatic moment in religious history.