Italian school (XVI) - San Pietro con le chiavi

Italian School of the 19th Century - Saint Peter with Keys - Oil on Canvas

Description
Fascinating oil painting on canvas from the mid-19th century, depicting the classical iconography of Saint Peter the Apostle.

The work depicts the Saint from the waist up, with a gaze directed towards infinity, in a moment of deep spiritual introspection. The face is characterized by a highly impactful naturalistic rendering: the deep wrinkles of the forehead, the thick white beard, and the skillful modulation of chiaroscuro recall the great tradition of seventeenth-century naturalism, here reinterpreted with the academic taste of the nineteenth century.

Iconographic and Technical Details

Subject: Saint Peter firmly holds a decorated key in his hands, symbolizing spiritual authority and the keys to Heaven.

Composition: The portrait is set within a painted oval that frames the figure, giving it a sculptural depth.

Style: The brushstroke is bold but meticulous in anatomical details, with a masterful use of light emerging from a dark and austere background.

Condition: The painting is in good conservation state. The original canvas is well stretched on its antique frame (complete with tension wedges). A slight and charming natural craquelure is present, indicating the authenticity and age of the piece. No invasive restorations or significant paint loss are observed.

Frame: The artwork is adorned with an elegant antique wooden frame with a gilded inner profile, which enhances the warm tones of the complexion and the mysticism of the subject.

Dimensions:
Canvas: 55 x 45 cm
With cornice: 64 x 54 cm

A work of great character, ready to be included in a sacred art collection or to elegantly decorate a classic environment.

Data:
Era: 19th Century
Subject: Sacred Art / Saint Peter
Technique: Oil on canvas
Condition: Good, with normal signs of aging.
Country of origin: Italy