Boetvaardige Petrus 1687

"Boetvaardige Petrus" (Penitent Peter) is an etching created by Claude Mellan in 1687. Depicting the apostle Peter kneeling in remorse after denying Christ three times, the artwork highlights Mellan's mastery of line. The dramatic composition emphasizes Peter's isolation and sorrow, with the towering rock formations symbolizing the weight of his guilt. The distant crucifixion scene serves as a poignant reminder of Peter's betrayal. This engraving, now housed at the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies Mellan's signature style, using a single, continuous line to create intricate details and powerful emotional depth.