The Denial of Saint Peter 1603

Curator: This diminutive etching at the Harvard Art Museums, "The Denial of Saint Peter," is attributed to Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. Editor: Wow, it's so small! And intense, all those furious little lines scratching out the drama. I feel the accusation hanging in the air. Curator: Indeed, the composition powerfully encapsulates the biblical scene, likely reflecting Caravaggio's ongoing engagement with themes of betrayal and faith. The rapid etching technique suggests urgency. Editor: Right? Like he was trying to capture a fleeting thought, or emotion. It feels raw, unpolished, and so human with all its flaws showing. Curator: Given the era’s socio-religious climate, this piece encourages us to explore the performative nature of religious conviction. The dynamic between the accuser and the accused reveals power dynamics, especially when considering the figure of Peter. Editor: It makes you wonder about all the little denials we make every day, you know? The ways we betray ourselves to fit in or avoid confrontation. A small artwork with a big question mark. Curator: Precisely. The piece speaks volumes.