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a painting of an old man holding a knife and a book
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55 - Saint Peter, Spanish School, 17th century Oil on canvas, 73 …
See original version (Italian)

Estimate €1,500 - €2,500
Sale commission
Description
Saint Peter, Spanish School, 17th century Oil on canvas, 73 x 60 cm This intense depiction of Saint Peter, identified by his traditional attribute of the keys, is part of the great era of 17th-century Spanish naturalist painting. The close-up composition of the figure, the austere physiognomic characterisation of the face and the dramatic contrast of the flesh tones against the dark background evoke the tenebrist style that had established itself in Spain during the early decades of the century, with particular reference to the Valencian school and the influence of Francisco Ribalta and Jusepe de Ribera.Far removed from any idealisation, the figure of the apostle takes on an extraordinary human tangibility: the broad, bald forehead, the deeply shadowed eyes and the thick, grey beard transform the sacred subject into a monumental and intensely realistic presence. The colour palette, limited to browns, ochres and warm flesh tones, together with the background—which is almost entirely devoid of spatial cues—focuses attention on the saint’s expressive power and on the gesture of his hand clutching the keys. Framed.
See original version (Italian)
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About the sale Paintings and Drawings from the 15th to the 19th century
Auction location
Auction time 10/29/2026 at 3:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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