The Denial of Saint Peter c. 18th century

Curator: I find this print, Pierre François Basan's *The Denial of Saint Peter*, so compelling in its composition. The dimensions of the sheet are approximately 37 by 42.5 centimeters. Editor: It strikes me as a scene thick with tension; the faces are so expressive, locked in this moment of accusation and denial, hinting at larger themes of power and betrayal. Curator: The contrast between Peter and his accusers is palpable, but I find myself drawn to the textures—the rendering of metal armor, the fabric folds, all created through the skilled use of engraving techniques. Editor: Absolutely. And consider the socio-political implications of such a scene, particularly given Basan's position as a prominent printmaker. It's impossible to detach this image from debates about faith, authority, and individual conscience during the Enlightenment. Curator: Right, these details emphasize the labor and intentionality embedded in Basan's prints, elevating them beyond mere reproduction to become powerful statements in their own right. Editor: Indeed. It speaks volumes about how art can mediate power dynamics and force us to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves and our societies.