Arts and Faith: Palm Sunday of The Lord's Passion
A study of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio The Denial of Saint Peter, 1610
by Daniella Zsupan-Jerome
Loyola University, New Orleans
A study of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio The Denial of Saint Peter, 1610
by Daniella Zsupan-Jerome
Loyola University, New Orleans
...While we see this movement toward healing in the soft light, Caravaggio’s depiction of Peter also emphasizes the complexity of betrayal. The face of Peter is similar to one Caravaggio used for executioners in other paintings. In this context we truly see Peter’s heartbreaking guilt, which will lead him to weep bitterly. Peter did contribute to the suffering brought on the Lord, sharing in the role of executioner, not physically but by his abandonment and denial.
The story of the Passion is full of moments of violence, tragedy, heartache, and pain. We see ourselves in these moments and feel the heartache for the ways we have contributed to the suffering. May we stand with Peter around the fire in the soft light of healing truth.
The story of the Passion is full of moments of violence, tragedy, heartache, and pain. We see ourselves in these moments and feel the heartache for the ways we have contributed to the suffering. May we stand with Peter around the fire in the soft light of healing truth.
