St Peter Weeping before the Virgin 1647

"St Peter Weeping before the Virgin" (1647) by the Italian Baroque painter Guercino depicts a poignant moment of grief and faith. The work showcases Guercino's mastery of chiaroscuro, emphasizing the emotional intensity through dramatic lighting and contrasting light and shadow. The composition highlights the contrasting reactions of the two figures: St Peter, overcome with sorrow, wipes his tears with a cloth, while the Virgin Mary, in a serene pose, consoles him. This piece, now housed in the Louvre, Paris, exemplifies the emotional depth and dramatic style of Guercino's work.