The Denial of Saint Peter 1620

Gerard van Honthorst's "The Denial of Saint Peter" (1620) depicts the biblical story of Peter's denial of Jesus Christ. The painting is a dramatic and intimate portrayal of this event, set in a dimly lit room illuminated by a single candle. The use of chiaroscuro, a technique emphasizing the contrast between light and dark, intensifies the emotional impact of the scene. Peter, with a look of terror and denial on his face, is confronted by a young woman accusing him of knowing Jesus. The dramatic composition and intense emotions captured in the figures make this a powerful example of Dutch Caravaggism.