Saint Peter in Penitence (Ribera) facts for kids
Saint Peter in Penitence or The Penitent Saint Peter is a famous painting from the 1630s. It shows Peter the Apostle, an important figure from the Bible. The painting was created by a Spanish artist named Jusepe de Ribera. Today, you can see this artwork at the Museo Soumaya in Mexico City.
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Who Was Saint Peter?
Peter the Apostle was one of the twelve main followers, or disciples, of Jesus. He is a very important figure in Christianity. In the Bible, Peter is known for being a leader among the disciples. He was also known for sometimes making mistakes, but then feeling very sorry for them.
What Does "Penitence" Mean?
The word "penitence" means feeling deep regret or sorrow for something you have done wrong. It's about wanting to make things right and change for the better. In this painting, Saint Peter is shown in a moment of deep thought and sadness, reflecting on his past actions.
About the Artist: Jusepe de Ribera
Jusepe de Ribera (pronounced Hoo-SEH-peh deh Ree-BEH-rah) was a Spanish painter who lived from 1591 to 1652. He was a very important artist during a time known as the Spanish Golden Age. Ribera spent most of his life working in Italy, especially in Naples.
Ribera's Painting Style
Ribera was known for his realistic and often dramatic paintings. He liked to show strong emotions and details in his subjects. He often used a technique called chiaroscuro (pronounced kee-AH-ruh-SKYOOR-oh). This means using strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of depth and drama. In Saint Peter in Penitence, you can see how the light highlights Peter's face and hands, making him stand out from the darker background. This helps you focus on his feelings.
The Painting: Saint Peter in Penitence
This painting shows Saint Peter looking up, with a serious and thoughtful expression. His hands are clasped together, which often suggests prayer or deep reflection. Ribera's use of light and shadow makes Peter's face look very real and full of emotion. The painting helps us understand the story of Peter's regret and his journey of faith.
Where to See the Painting
The painting is located in the Museo Soumaya in Mexico City. This museum has a large collection of art from different periods and places, including many European masterpieces.
See also
In Spanish: San Pedro en penitencia (José de Ribera) para niños
