Left Third of a Martyrdom of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. 1508 - 1555

"Left Third of a Martyrdom of Saint Peter and Saint Paul" is a drawing by Antonio da Trento, an Italian artist working in the mid-16th century. This drawing, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is likely a preparatory study for a larger painting. The drawing captures a moment of intense action, with a figure in the center wielding a sword over a fallen figure. Da Trento's masterful use of light and shadow creates a sense of drama and depth. The composition and expressive figures are characteristic of the Mannerist style, which flourished in Italy during the 16th century. This drawing provides a fascinating glimpse into Da Trento’s artistic process and the evolution of his ideas.