Crucifixion of St. Peter 1426

Masaccio's "Crucifixion of St. Peter" (1426) depicts the dramatic scene of St. Peter's upside-down crucifixion, a traditional punishment for those who had transgressed the Roman law. The figures are rendered with a new sense of realism and depth, characteristic of Masaccio's Early Renaissance style. The composition is centered around St. Peter's body, emphasizing the brutality of his execution. The perspective is convincingly accurate, showcasing a clear understanding of linear perspective, which became a defining characteristic of the Florentine Renaissance. This small-scale fresco, housed in the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, exemplifies Masaccio's innovative approach to art, which paved the way for later artists like Michelangelo and Raphael.