The Denial of Saint Peter 1626 - 1629

Hendrick Terbrugghen's "The Denial of Saint Peter" (1626-1629) depicts the moment when Peter, one of Jesus's disciples, denies knowing Christ after being questioned by a servant girl. Terbrugghen uses chiaroscuro, a dramatic contrast between light and dark, to highlight the pivotal moment and the emotional turmoil of the characters. The servant girl points at Peter, illuminating his face as he looks up, caught in a moment of guilt and shame. The painting's dramatic lighting, evocative composition, and realistic portrayal of emotion exemplify Terbrugghen's mastery of Caravaggism, a style that emphasized naturalism and dramatic realism.