France / 1645
Saint Peter Repentant
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Saint Peter Repentant as painting (France · 1645).
The rooster next to Peter is a reference to Jesus's prediction that Peter will betray him, stating: "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times."
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as oil on canvas and credits Georges de La Tour (French, 1593–1652).
The museum's collection notes: During Jesus’s arrest on the night of the Last Supper, the apostle Peter denied knowing him. Although Christ forgave his betrayal, Peter was consumed by guilt. Georges de La Tour represents Peter as an old man, reflecting on his past actions in a state of perpetual repentance. The apostle’s red-rimmed eyes and the uncertain light of the lantern suggest anxious sleepless nights; muted colors and simple forms give visual expression to Peter’s somber emotions. Unlike other artists inspired by Caravaggio, La Tour worked in relative isolation in northeastern France, and his connection to his Italian counterpart remains unclear.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtSaint Peter RepentantOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.