The Martyrdom of Saint Peter

The Martyrdom of Saint Peter by the School of Rembrandt van Rijn is a profound example of 17th-century draftsmanship from the Netherlands. Executed between 1655 and 1659, this drawing utilizes the characteristic techniques favored by Rembrandt’s circle: a dynamic application of reed pen and brush with brown ink and wash. This combination allows for both crisp outlines and deeply atmospheric shadowing, emphasizing the drama of the religious subject matter.

The composition focuses intensely on the moment of extreme suffering. Saint Peter is depicted just moments before his execution on the cross. According to tradition, Peter requested to be crucified upside down, feeling unworthy to die in the same manner as Christ. The artist associated with the Rijn school expertly employs the brown wash to create high contrast, isolating the central figure and the laborers attending the cross. The dramatic interplay of light and shadow, typical of the chiaroscuro techniques developed in this Dutch artistic environment, heightens the emotional impact of the apostle’s plight.

This drawing is classified as a finished work from a period that saw the vigorous production of religious scenes by Rembrandt’s pupils, often mimicking his spontaneous yet powerful approach. Although this piece is formally a drawing, the complexity of its execution elevates it beyond a mere preparatory sketch, illustrating the mastery of ink and wash techniques achieved by the Rijn school.

As a significant historical work from the Netherlands, the piece resides in the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its availability for scholarly study and the circulation of high-quality prints derived from works like this often made available through public domain initiatives ensures that the impactful legacy of the Rijn school continues to inform art history.