An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
The Denial of St. Peterc. 1623
Artist: Gerrit van Honthorst
Dutch, 1592–1656
43 1/2 x 57 in. (110.49 x 144.78 cm) (canvas)
54 x 68 1/2 in. (137.16 x 173.99 cm) (outer frame)
Oil on canvas
Painting
Netherlands
17th century
The Putnam Dana McMillan Fund
In a world where shadows dance with light, a powerful scene unfolds. In the dim, flickering glow of lanterns, a young maidservant stands boldly, her finger pointing accusingly at a man draped in a yellow cloak. This moment captures the very essence of fear and denial, as she charges the apostle Peter with knowing Jesus. The air is heavy with tension as Peter's heart races; he knows too well the stakes involved, and the weight of her accusation hangs thick between them. With trembling lips, he voices his denial, hoping to cloak himself in the safety of ignorance.
Across centuries and oceans, this vibrant tableau was brought to life by the gifted Dutch artist known as Gerrit van Honthorst, who earned the affectionate title, Gerard of the Night. While wandering the streets of Italy, he became entranced by the play of light and shadow, much like the master he admired—Caravaggio. Van Honthorst wielded his brush to create intense psychological dramas, illuminating the faces of everyday people who worked and toiled, their large figures and expressive hand gestures reaching out from the canvas, pulling viewers into their midst.
His paintings, drenched in emotion, had the power to transport the beholder deep into a story both ancient and universal. This particular artwork, borne from Van Honthorst's remarkable skill, vividly reflects a moment steeped in biblical history—where the line between loyalty and fear is irrevocably blurred.
But the life of this painting tells another tale, one of preservation and care. Thanks to the generosity of Connie Nelson and the dedication of the Art Champions program, this masterpiece has been lovingly conserved, ensuring it will continue to whisper its story for generations to come. Additionally, the frame encasing it is a gift—an offering from the Friends of the Institute and the John R. Van Derlip Fund, a nod to the communal recognition of art’s timeless power to connect us to our shared human narrative.
About the artist
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