Petrus in gebed 1700 - 1800

"Petrus in gebed" (Peter in Prayer) is an anonymous drawing from the 18th century currently housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The artwork depicts a scene of Saint Peter, the first Pope of the Catholic Church, praying with his hands clasped together. The detail of the book and keys in the foreground possibly alludes to Saint Peter's role as the keeper of the gates of Heaven. This small drawing, created using black and white chalk and heightened with red chalk, showcases the use of chiaroscuro to create a sense of depth and realism in the figure.